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Consider the below statements and identify the correct answer. Statement-I: Anhydrous sodium carbonate is used in soda-acid fire extinguishers.
Question

Consider the below statements and identify the correct answer.
Statement-I: Anhydrous sodium carbonate is used in soda-acid fire extinguishers.
Statement-II: Anhydrous sodium carbonate is dissolved in water and recrystallized to get washing soda crystals containing 10 molecules of water of crystallisation

A.

Both the statements are true.

B.

Statement-II is true, and Statement-I is false.

C.

Both the statements are false.

D.

Statement-I is true, and Statement-II is false.

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b) Statement-II is true, and Statement-I is false.

Explanation:

  • Statement-I is incorrect. Anhydrous sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) is not used in soda-acid fire extinguishers. Soda-acid fire extinguishers typically use sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) or baking soda as the primary component because it releases carbon dioxide (CO₂) when it reacts with an acid, helping to extinguish flames. Sodium carbonate, on the other hand, does not produce CO₂ in the same manner when exposed to acid, so it is not effective for this purpose.

  • Statement-II is correct. Anhydrous sodium carbonate can be dissolved in water and recrystallized to form washing soda crystals (Na₂CO₃·10H₂O), which contain 10 molecules of water of crystallization. This transformation from anhydrous to hydrated sodium carbonate is commonly used in applications like laundry detergents due to its water-softening properties.

Important Key Points:

  1. Anhydrous sodium carbonate is commonly known as soda ash.
  2. Washing soda (Na₂CO₃·10H₂O) is the decahydrate form of sodium carbonate.
  3. Washing soda is used to soften hard water by precipitating out calcium and magnesium ions.
  4. Soda-acid fire extinguishers utilize sodium bicarbonate and an acid to generate CO₂ for fire suppression.
  5. Sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate, while related, serve distinct functions due to their chemical properties.
  6. Sodium bicarbonate is chosen in fire extinguishers due to its ability to release CO₂ upon acid reaction.

Information Booster:

  • Sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃): Also known as soda ash, it is commonly used in glassmaking, detergents, and as a water softener.
  • Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃): Known as baking soda, it’s used in cooking, as an antacid, and in fire extinguishers for its CO₂ release upon reaction.
  • Washing soda (Na₂CO₃·10H₂O): Created by recrystallizing sodium carbonate, it’s used in cleaning products and water treatment to remove hardness.

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