Problem 23 - A Complete Resource Book in Chemistry for JEE Main

Question

The product obtained on fusion of \(\mathrm{BaSO}_{4}\) and \(\mathrm{Na}_{2} \mathrm{CO}_{3}\) is (a) \(\mathrm{BaO}\) (b) \(\mathrm{BaCO}_{3}\) (c) \(\mathrm{BaHS}_{4}\) (d) \(\mathrm{Ba}(\mathrm{OH})_{2}\)

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The product is \( \mathrm{BaCO}_{3} \) (option b).

Step 1: Understanding the Reaction Components

We have two compounds, \( \mathrm{BaSO}_{4} \) and \( \mathrm{Na}_{2}\mathrm{CO}_{3} \). Barium sulfate (\( \mathrm{BaSO}_{4} \)) is a heavy, white, crystalline, inorganic compound that is insoluble in water. Sodium carbonate (\( \mathrm{Na}_{2}\mathrm{CO}_{3} \)) is a soluble salt and alkali chemical.

Step 2: Analyzing the Fusion Process

During the fusion process, \( \mathrm{BaSO}_{4} \) is mixed with \( \mathrm{Na}_{2}\mathrm{CO}_{3} \), and upon heating, it undergoes a chemical reaction. The heat causes the \( \mathrm{Na}_{2}\mathrm{CO}_{3} \) to dissociate and form reactive species that can interact with \( \mathrm{BaSO}_{4} \).

Step 3: Identifying the Reaction Product

In the reaction, the carbonate ion from \( \mathrm{Na}_{2}\mathrm{CO}_{3} \) replaces the sulfate ion in \( \mathrm{BaSO}_{4} \), leading to the formation of barium carbonate (\( \mathrm{BaCO}_{3} \)). This is based on the reactivity of carbonate with sulfate ions in a high-temperature environment.

Step 4: Final Reaction Equation

The balanced chemical equation for the fusion is: \[ \mathrm{BaSO}_{4} + \mathrm{Na}_{2}\mathrm{CO}_{3} \rightarrow \mathrm{BaCO}_{3} + \mathrm{Na}_{2}\mathrm{SO}_{4} \]Thus, the product obtained is \( \mathrm{BaCO}_{3} \).

Key Concepts

BaSO4 and Na2CO3 reaction

When barium sulfate \( \mathrm{BaSO}_{4} \) reacts with sodium carbonate \( \mathrm{Na}_{2}\mathrm{CO}_{3} \), a fascinating chemical process takes place. In its initial form, \( \mathrm{BaSO}_{4} \) is a heavy and crystalline substance, known for being water-insoluble.
Meanwhile, \( \mathrm{Na}_{2}\mathrm{CO}_{3} \) is a soluble, alkali-based compound, often referred to as soda ash in the industrial world.
The reaction between these two can be understood better by knowing how these chemicals behave under specific conditions. When mixed and heated, a fusion reaction occurs, turning these reactants into something new: barium carbonate \( \mathrm{BaCO}_{3} \). This reaction is not only intriguing but also significant in understanding the transformation of chemical compounds.

Chemical reaction process

Chemical reactions involve the transformation of one or more substances into new products through the breaking and formation of chemical bonds. In the case of the reaction between \( \mathrm{BaSO}_{4} \) and \( \mathrm{Na}_{2}\mathrm{CO}_{3} \), several steps explain how this transformation occurs.
Initially, the fusion process sees \( \mathrm{BaSO}_{4} \) and \( \mathrm{Na}_{2}\mathrm{CO}_{3} \) subjected to high heat. This energy input is essential because it allows the sodium carbonate to dissociate, forming ions that become highly reactive.
These reactive species interact with the barium sulfate, resulting in an exchange of ions. More specifically, the carbonate ions from the sodium carbonate replace the sulfate ions bound to the barium, thus forming barium carbonate \( \mathrm{BaCO}_{3} \) and sodium sulfate \( \mathrm{Na}_{2}\mathrm{SO}_{4} \).
This example perfectly illustrates a double displacement reaction, where parts of two compounds are swapped to form two entirely new compounds.

Fusion reaction in chemistry

To understand what happens during a fusion reaction in chemistry, it's important to recognize the role of heat. In the fusion of \( \mathrm{BaSO}_{4} \) and \( \mathrm{Na}_{2}\mathrm{CO}_{3} \), the application of heat is critical. This process not only aids in melting or fusing the compounds together but also assists in initiating a chemical reaction that wouldn't take place under normal conditions.
Fusion typically implies that materials are heated to a point where they become semi-liquid or fully liquid, allowing a thorough interaction at the molecular level. In this context, it enables the carbonate ions to displace the sulfate ions, a process that is kinetically driven due to the high-temperature environment.
Such high temperatures make it possible for the reaction to overcome energy barriers, leading to new product formations. The fusion reaction emphasizes the intricate dance of atoms and molecules as they break old connections and form new bonds, demonstrating the dynamic nature of chemistry.