Question:

A white sodium salt dissolves readily in water to give a solution which is neutral to litmus. When silver nitrate solution is added to the aformentioned solution, a white precipitate is obtained which does not dissolve in dil. nitric acid. The anion is :

Show Hint

A neutral salt solution and a white AgNO3 precipitate insoluble in dil. HNO3 point to chloride.
Updated On: Nov 11, 2026
  • \(\mathrm{CO_3^{2-}}\)
  • \(\mathrm{SO_4^{2-}}\)
  • \(\mathrm{Cl^-}\)
  • \(\mathrm{S^{2-}}\)
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

A neutral solution means the salt is of a strong acid and a strong base, which rules out the hydrolysing \(\mathrm{CO_3^{2-}}\) and \(\mathrm{S^{2-}}\) (basic solutions).
\(\mathrm{Ag_2CO_3}\) would dissolve in dil. \(\mathrm{HNO_3}\), and \(\mathrm{Ag_2S}\) is black.
\(\mathrm{Ag_2SO_4}\) is fairly soluble, so no insoluble white precipitate is expected in dilute solution.
\(\mathrm{Cl^- + Ag^+ \rightarrow AgCl\downarrow}\) is white and insoluble in dil. \(\mathrm{HNO_3}\).
Answer: (3) \(\mathrm{Cl^-}\)
Was this answer helpful?
0
0