Question:

During the preparation of \(\mathrm{K_2Cr_2O_7}\) from chromite ore, in one of the steps, the yellow solution of sodium chromate is converted into orange sodium dichromate crystals. This is achieved by

Show Hint

Remember the chromate--dichromate equilibrium: \(\displaystyle 2\mathrm{CrO_4^{2-}}+2\mathrm{H^+}\rightleftharpoons\mathrm{Cr_2O_7^{2-}}+\mathrm{H_2O}\).
  • Basic medium \(\rightarrow\) Yellow chromate (\(\mathrm{CrO_4^{2-}}\)).
  • Acidic medium \(\rightarrow\) Orange dichromate (\(\mathrm{Cr_2O_7^{2-}}\)).
Updated On: Jul 9, 2026
  • Increasing the pH
  • Decreasing the pH
  • Maintaining neutral pH
  • Adding NaCl \bigskip
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Identify the species. Yellow sodium chromate contains the chromate ion, \[ \mathrm{CrO_4^{2-}} \] whereas orange sodium dichromate contains the dichromate ion, \[ \mathrm{Cr_2O_7^{2-}}. \]

Step 2:
Effect of pH. On acidification (decreasing pH), \[ 2\mathrm{CrO_4^{2-}}+2\mathrm{H^+} \rightleftharpoons \mathrm{Cr_2O_7^{2-}}+\mathrm{H_2O} \] Thus, lowering the pH shifts the equilibrium towards dichromate ions, changing the solution from yellow to orange.

Step 3:
Final conclusion. Hence, sodium chromate is converted into sodium dichromate by \[ \boxed{\text{decreasing the pH}.} \] Therefore, the correct option is \(\boxed{(B)}\).
Was this answer helpful?
0
0