#2

AMMONIUM SULFATE IS HEATED WITH SODIUM HYDROXIDE

(i) Write the chemical equation (including state symbols) for the reaction


 (NH4)2SO4 (aq) + 2NaOH (aq) à   NA2SO4 (aq)+ 2H2O (l) + 2NH3 (g)

(ii) Describe a test for the gas.

Hold a piece of damp red litmus paper over the mouth of the test tube. The ammonia gas will turn the damp red litmus paper blue indicating its presence. Ammonia hydroxide is formed on the damp red litmus paper, as it has became an alkali, it turns the damp red litmus paper blue