How to distinguish between barium sulfate and barium chloride

1. barium sulfate and barium chloride appearance and color difference

Barium sulfate and barium chloride are very similar in appearance. Both are white powdery solids, but there are slight differences in certain details. Barium sulfate is a slightly sticky white powder at room temperature, while barium chloride is more tasteless and odorless, with a smooth surface. This subtle difference in physical properties can help us distinguish them in practice.

The viscous nature of barium sulfate makes it more advantageous in certain industrial applications, such as water treatment, where barium sulfate is often used to precipitate heavy metal impurities. Barium chloride, on the other hand, is more suitable for occasions that require rapid dissolution, such as the addition of food preservatives, because it is not sticky.

2. physical and chemical properties of the difference

From the point of view of physical properties, the density of barium sulfate is slightly higher than that of barium chloride, about 4.32g/cm³, while the density of barium chloride is about 2.44g/cm³. This difference may affect how substances are used in some experiments.

In terms of chemical properties, the reaction characteristics of barium sulfate and barium chloride are completely different. Barium sulfate is insoluble in water, while barium chloride is readily soluble in water. Barium sulfate will decompose under acidic conditions and release toxic gases, while barium chloride is stable under acidic conditions and will not decompose.

Barium sulfate decomposes at high temperature to form calcium sulfate and carbon dioxide, while barium chloride does not decompose at high temperature, but it has important applications in some industrial production, such as as food additives.

3. barium sulfate and barium chloride use and storage methods

The uses of barium sulfate and barium chloride are different, and the selection of the appropriate substance needs to be determined according to the specific application scenario. Barium sulfate is commonly used in water treatment and medical fields, while barium chloride is mainly used in the food industry and to improve taste.

In terms of storage methods, barium sulfate needs to be stored in a cool and dry place to avoid high temperature and humid environment. Barium chloride can be stored at room temperature, but still need to pay attention to moisture, avoid contact with moisture, so as not to affect the stability.

4. how to identify barium sulfate and barium chloride

In practice, how to quickly distinguish between barium sulfate and barium chloride is a skill that needs to be mastered. Can be identified by the following methods:

1. Color: Barium sulfate is slightly sticky, while barium chloride is non-sticky.
2. Shaking smell: barium sulfate shaking may emit a slight odor, and barium chloride is no obvious odor.
3. Infrared lamp test: in the ultraviolet lamp, barium sulfate color change is more obvious, and barium chloride is no obvious change.

Through the above method, barium sulfate and barium chloride can be quickly and accurately distinguished.

Although barium sulfate and barium chloride have significant differences in physical and chemical properties, their applications in industry, medical treatment and daily life are different. Understanding their properties helps us to better apply these substances, thereby improving the efficiency and safety of work.