I need help with this problem
Which acid of those is used to destinguish between FeO and Fe2O3
a-HCl conc. b-HCl dil. C-H2SO4 conc.
And how
To distinguish between FeO and Fe2O3, you can use acid to perform a simple test called the acid test. In this test, you will observe the reaction of the acid with the two forms of iron oxide to determine the compound present.
Among the options you provided, concentrated hydrochloric acid (HCl conc.) is commonly used for the acid test. Here's how you can use HCl conc. to distinguish between FeO and Fe2O3:
1. Take a small amount of each sample (FeO and Fe2O3) that you want to test and place them in separate test tubes.
2. Add a few drops of concentrated hydrochloric acid (HCl conc.) to each test tube, making sure the acid covers the samples completely.
3. Observe the reactions:
a. If the FeO sample is present, it will react with the HCl conc. to produce a greenish solution, indicating the formation of iron(II) chloride (FeCl2) and the release of a colorless gas, hydrogen gas (H2). The reaction can be represented as follows:
FeO(s) + 2HCl(aq) → FeCl2(aq) + H2(g)
b. If the Fe2O3 sample is present, it will not react with the HCl conc. and will remain unchanged. No color change or gas evolution will be observed.
So, the acid that can be used to distinguish between FeO and Fe2O3 is concentrated hydrochloric acid (HCl conc.).