key term - $BaSO_4$

Definition

$BaSO_4$ is the chemical formula for barium sulfate, an inorganic compound that is a common mineral found in the earth's crust. It is a white, odorless, and tasteless powder that is insoluble in water and most other solvents, making it a useful compound in various industrial and medical applications.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. $BaSO_4$ is a common and naturally occurring mineral known as barite or barytes, and it is the main commercial source of the element barium.
2. $BaSO_4$ is used in a variety of applications, including as a filler in paints, paper, and rubber, as a weighting agent in oil and gas drilling fluids, and as a contrast agent in medical imaging procedures.
3. The formation of $BaSO_4$ is an example of a precipitation reaction, where the barium and sulfate ions combine to form an insoluble solid product.
4. $BaSO_4$ is considered a relatively non-toxic compound, but it can be harmful if inhaled or ingested in large quantities.
5. The high density of $BaSO_4$ (4.5 g/cm^3) makes it useful as a weighting agent in various industrial applications, such as in the production of glass and ceramics.

Review Questions

• Explain the chemical composition and properties of $BaSO_4$.
  • $BaSO_4$ is an inorganic compound composed of barium (Ba) and sulfate ($SO_4^{2-}$) ions. It is a white, odorless, and tasteless powder that is insoluble in water and most other solvents. $BaSO_4$ has a high density (4.5 g/cm^3) and is a relatively non-toxic compound, making it useful in various industrial and medical applications, such as as a filler, weighting agent, and contrast agent.
• Describe the formation of $BaSO_4$ as an example of a precipitation reaction.
  • The formation of $BaSO_4$ is an example of a precipitation reaction, where the barium (Ba^{2+}) and sulfate ($SO_4^{2-}$) ions combine to form an insoluble solid product. This occurs when a barium-containing compound and a sulfate-containing compound are mixed in an aqueous solution. The insoluble $BaSO_4$ precipitate then settles out of the solution, leaving the remaining ions in the solution. Precipitation reactions are an important class of chemical reactions that are used in various applications, such as water treatment and the synthesis of other compounds.
• Evaluate the importance of $BaSO_4$ in industrial and medical applications, and discuss the potential risks associated with its use.
  • $BaSO_4$ is a versatile compound that is widely used in various industrial and medical applications due to its unique properties, such as its high density, insolubility, and relatively low toxicity. In industry, $BaSO_4$ is used as a filler in paints, paper, and rubber, as well as a weighting agent in oil and gas drilling fluids. In the medical field, $BaSO_4$ is used as a contrast agent in imaging procedures, such as X-rays and CT scans, to enhance the visibility of internal structures. While $BaSO_4$ is generally considered non-toxic, it can be harmful if inhaled or ingested in large quantities, and appropriate safety measures should be taken during its handling and use.

Related terms

Barium: Barium is a silvery-white alkaline earth metal that is highly reactive and is found in the environment primarily in the form of compounds such as $BaSO_4$.

Sulfate:

The sulfate ion ($SO_4^{2-}$) is a polyatomic ion composed of one sulfur atom and four oxygen atoms, and it is the conjugate base of sulfuric acid.

Precipitation Reaction: A precipitation reaction is a type of chemical reaction in which a solid precipitate is formed when two solutions are combined, such as the formation of $BaSO_4$ when a barium compound and a sulfate compound are mixed.