Question

When NaCl and NaNO\(_3\) separately reacted with H\(_2\)SO\(_4\), the products formed respectively are:

• A. HCl, N\(_2\)O\(_3\)
• B. HCl, HNO\(_2\)
• C. HOCl, HNO\(_3\)
• D. HCl, HNO\(_3\)

Hint:

Concentrated H\(_2\)SO\(_4\) acts as a non-volatile strong acid and displaces weaker volatile acids like HCl and HNO\(_3\) from their salts.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: NaCl reaction with concentrated H₂SO₄.
A metathesis reaction occurs: NaCl + H₂SO₄ → NaHSO₄ + HCl↑, liberating hydrogen chloride gas.

Step 2: NaNO₃ reaction with concentrated H₂SO₄.
Similarly, NaNO₃ + H₂SO₄ → NaHSO₄ + HNO₃, producing nitric acid.

Step 3: Comparing the two processes.
Both are acid-displacement reactions where the less volatile acid is driven off by the stronger, non-volatile sulfuric acid.

Step 4: Redox consideration.
No change in oxidation states; only proton exchange occurs.

Step 5: Conclusion.
The products are HCl and HNO₃.