For testing halogens in an organic compound with `AgNO_(3)` solution, sodium extract (Lassaigne's test) is acidified with dilute `HNO_(3)`. What will happen if a student acidifies the extract with dilute `H_(2)SO_(4)` in place of dilute `HNO_(3)` ?

Explanation

On adding dilute `H_(2)SO_(4)` for testing halogens in an organic compound with `AgNO_(3)`, white precipitate of `Ag_(2)SO_(4)` is formed. This will interfere with the test of chlorine and this `Ag_(2)SO_(4)` may be mistaken for white precipitate of chlorine as `AgCl`. Hence, dilute `HNO_(3)` is used instead of dilute `H_(2)SO_(4)`.