NIOS Class 10 Science and Technology Activity 4.6 Chemical Reactions and Equations

In this activity, we will explore the reaction between barium chloride and sodium sulphate solutions.

NIOS Class 10 Science and Technology Project File

This activity is based on the NIOS class 10 science and technology chapter 4, Chemical Reactions and Equations

Aim of the activity

To observe the formation of a precipitate during a double displacement reaction

Materials Required

   1. Sodium sulphate solution

   2. Barium chloride solution

   3. Two test tubes

   4. Dropper

   5. Test tube holder or stand

Procedure

We take two test tubes and label them as A and B. We pour 4 mL of barium chloride into test tube A and 4 mL of sodium sulphate solution into test tube B.

Now we pour the solution from test tube B into test tube A and observe the changes.

Observation

 We see a white solid insoluble substance appear in test tube B after mixing the solution from test tube B.

Explanation

This reaction is an example of a double displacement reaction in which sodium ions and barium ions displace each other.

Barium ions react with sulphate ions to form barium sulphate, which is an insoluble white solid; this is called a precipitate.

Sodium chloride remains dissolved in the solution.

Na₂SO_4(aq)  + BaCl_2(aq) → BaSO_4(s) +      2NaCl_(aq)

This reaction is also called a precipitation reaction.

Conclusion

This activity explains a double displacement reaction and the formation of a precipitate.

Frequently Asked Questions

   1. What is a precipitate?

Answer – A precipitate is an insoluble solid substance formed during a chemical reaction.

   2. What is the chemical name and formula of the precipitate in this activity?

Answer – Barium sulphate (BaSO₄)

   3. What type of reaction takes place in this activity 4.6?

Answer – Double displacement reaction