(a) Explain giving reasons why (Give equations in support of your answer):
(i) A solution of NH4Cl and NH4OH acts as a buffer.
(ii) Cu is precipitated as CuS while Zn is not precipitated when H2S is passed through an acidic solution of Cu(NO3)2 and Zn(NO3)2 respectively.
(i) NH4Cl (strong electrolyte) ⇌ NH4+ (high) + Cl‒ (high)
NH4OH (weak electrolyte) ⇌ NH4 + (low) + OH‒ (low)
(1) When an acid is added, it gives H+ ions which combine with OH‒ ions (from NH4OH) to produce H2O (weak electrolyte) in absence of OH‒ ions NH4OH dissociates more and maintains the pH.
(2) When an alkali is added, it gives OH‒ ions which combine with NH4+ ions (from NH4Cl) to produce NH4OH (weak electrolyte). NH4OH dissociates partially and OH‒ ions produced are not sufficient to increase the pH.
(ii) HCl ⇌ H + + Cl‒ , H2S ⇌ 2H+ + S2‒
In the presence of HCl (strong electrolyte), the dissociation of H2S (weak electrolyte) is suppressed due to the presence of common ion H+ [common ion effect] and less S2‒ ions are produced. In analytical chemistry groups are formed in increasing order of Ksp, Cu2+ belongs to 2nd group while Zn2+ belongs to 4th group. The Ksp of CuS is low and hence [Cu2+][S2‒ ] > Ksp, CuS gets precipitated. But Ksp of ZnS is high and hence [Zn2+][S2‒] < Ksp, ZnS doesn’t get precipitated.