H ₂ ~S gas when passed through a solution of cations containing HCl precipitates the cations of second group of qualitative analysis but not those belonging to the fourth group. It is because :

Step-by-step solution

In qualitative analysis of cation of second group H ₂ ~S gas is passed in presence of HCI , therefore due to common ion effect, lower concentration of sulphide ions is obtained which is sufficient for the precipitation of second group cations in form of their sulphides due to lower value of their solubility product ( K_ s p ). Here, fourth group cations are not precipitated because they require for exceeding their ionic product to their solubility products and higher sulphide ions concentration due to their higher