Lead acetate paper is used to determine the presence of which gas?

Lead acetate paper is specifically designed to detect the presence of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas. When lead acetate paper comes into contact with hydrogen sulfide, a chemical reaction occurs that leads to the formation of lead sulfide, which results in a color change on the paper. This characteristic reaction is what makes lead acetate paper a useful tool for monitoring environments where hydrogen sulfide may be present, such as in sewage treatment or industrial processes.

While chlorine, ammonia, and carbon monoxide are also gases of concern in environmental compliance, the detection mechanisms for those gases differ. Chlorine would typically be detected using various types of indicator solutions or chemical detectors specifically formulated for chlorine gas. Ammonia detection often involves pH-sensitive indicators or specific ammonia sensors. Carbon monoxide detection is generally accomplished with electrochemical sensors or infrared spectroscopy. Each of these gases requires different detection methods based on their chemical properties, which is why lead acetate paper is uniquely suited for hydrogen sulfide detection.