Chemical Monitoring and Management

Question 1

What is a flame test?

Answer 1

An example of emission spectroscopy. Its use depends on the fact that different atoms emit different wavelengths (and hence colours) of light when heated, which allows use to use the colour produced to analyse substances.

Question 2

What is the Pb2+ confirmation test?

Answer 2

Add I- ions to form a yellow precipitate.

Question 3

What is the Cu2+ confirmation test?

Answer 3

Cu(OH)2 precipitate dissolves in concentrated NH3 to form a deep blue solution.

Question 4

What is the Ba2+ confirmation test?

Answer 4

Add SO42- ions to form a white precipitate.

Question 5

What is the Fe2+ confirmation test?

Answer 5

Forms a white precipitate with potassium hexacyanoferrate(II)

Question 6

What is the Fe3+ confirmation test?

Answer 6

Forms a dark blue precipitate with potassium hexacyanoferrate(II)

Question 7

Pb2+ flame test

Answer 7

Dull blue

Question 8

Cu2+ flame test

Answer 8

Green

Question 9

Ba2+ flame test

Answer 9

Yellow-green or Apple-green

Question 10

Ca2+ flame test

Answer 10

Orange red

Question 11

What is the PO43- confirmation test?

Answer 11

Forms a yellow precipitate with ammonium molybdate (NH4)2MoO4

Question 12

What is the CO32- confirmation test?

Answer 12

Effervescene as CO2 in acid – test gas with lime water, forms a white precipitate with BaCl

Question 13

What is the Cl- confirmation test?

Answer 13

AgCl precipitate dissolves in 10% ammonia solution

Question 14

What is the SO42- confirmation test?

Answer 14

Forms a white precipitate with PbNO3

Question 15

What are the consequences of long term overexposure of the Lead ion?

Answer 15

Long term overexposure can cause numerous health problems, including anaemia, nervous system disorders, mental retardation, kidney disease and decreased fertility.

Question 16

What happens to excess lead in the body?

Answer 16

Excess lead accumulates in the bones and teeth where it replaces the natural calcium after the limited 2mg of lead is excreted a day.

Question 17

Why does lead levels need to be monitored?

Answer 17

Lead interferes with the action of particular enzymes in the body. It inhibits the synthesis of haemoglobin and interferes with energy production by cellular mitochondria.

Question 18

What are some uses of Lead?

Answer 18

Lead has been used in paints and pipes. It has been used in petrol to improve engine performance. As well as car batteries, roof flashing, automobile enamel paints and industrial emissions.

Question 19

What are the main pollutants found in the lower atmosphere?

Answer 19

Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, volatile organic compounds, sulfur dioxide, lead, particulates.

Question 20

What are the source of carbon monoxide?

Answer 20

Incomplete combustion in motor vehicles, stoves, cigarettes, fires.

Question 21

What are the sources of carbon dioxide?

Answer 21

Burning fossil fuels, deforestation.

Question 22

What are the sources of oxides of nitrogen?

Answer 22

High temperature combustion e.g. power stations, motor vehicles.

Question 23

What are the sources of volatile organic compounds?

Answer 23

Unburnt fuels, solvents and paint.

Question 24

What are the sources of sulfur dioxide?

Answer 24

Smelting metal sulfide ores, combustion of fossil fuels.

Question 25

What are the sources of lead?

Answer 25

Vehicles using leaded fuels, smelting metal ores, incinerators, paint used on older homes.

Question 26

What are the sources of particulates?

Answer 26

Combustion of fossil fuels, mining, construction incinerators.