Some plants require acidic soils for healthy growth. Which of the following could be added to soil around such plants to increase the acidity of the soil? 1.iron(ii)sulphate 2. sodium sulphate 3.aluminum sulphate 4.iron(iii)sulphate 5.caesium sulphate. Write Chemical equations to support your answers
Both iron and aluminum salts are used to make soil acidic (Sulfur is used also). For Al, the net reaction is
[Al(H2O)6]^3+ + H2O ==> [Al(H2O)5(OH)]^2+ + [H3O]^+
There is a second step and a third . The second is like this.
[Al(H2O)5(OH)]^2+ + H2O ==> [Al(H2O)4(OH)2]^+ + [H3O]^+
]
The third is likewise. Fe salts to the same but the ferric salts are more effective than the ferrous salts.
To increase the acidity of the soil for plants that require acidic conditions, you would need to add a compound that produces hydrogen ions (H+) when dissolved in water. Here are the correct options:
1. Iron(II) sulfate (FeSO4): This compound can be added to the soil to increase acidity. When dissolved in water, it dissociates into Fe2+ and SO4^2- ions. The sulfuric acid formed subsequently releases H+ ions into the soil.
FeSO4 (s) → Fe2+ (aq) + SO4^2- (aq)
2. Sodium sulfate (Na2SO4): Sodium sulfate does not increase soil acidity. When it dissolves in water, it forms Na+ and SO4^2- ions but does not contribute hydrogen ions.
3. Aluminum sulfate (Al2(SO4)3): This compound also increases soil acidity. It dissociates into Al3+ and SO4^2- ions, leading to the release of H+ ions.
Al2(SO4)3 (s) → 2Al3+ (aq) + 3SO4^2- (aq)
4. Iron(III) sulfate (Fe2(SO4)3): Similar to iron(II) sulfate, iron(III) sulfate can increase acidity when added to the soil. Upon dissolution, it forms Fe3+ and SO4^2- ions, which contribute to the release of H+ ions.
Fe2(SO4)3 (s) → 2Fe3+ (aq) + 3SO4^2- (aq)
5. Caesium sulfate (Cs2SO4): Caesium sulfate does not increase the acidity of soil. It dissociates into Cs+ and SO4^2- ions, but does not contribute hydrogen ions.
For the purposes of increasing soil acidity, options 1 (iron(II) sulfate), 3 (aluminum sulfate), and 4 (iron(III) sulfate) are suitable choices.