When conc `H_(2)SO_(4)` is added to an inorgainc mixture containing chloride, a pungent smelling gas `HCl` is produced because a stronger acid displaces a weaker acid from its sail.
`2NaCl+2H_(2)SO_(4) rarr 2NaHSO_(4)+2HCl`
Since HCl is a very weak reducing agent, it can not reduce `H_(2)SO_(4)` to `SO_(2)`, and hence `HCl` is not oxidised to `Cl_(2)`.
However, when the mixture contains bromide ion, the inially produced `HBr` being a stronger reducing agent reduces `H_(2)SO_(4)` to `SO_(2)` and is itself oxidised to produce red vapour of `Br_(2)`.
`2NaBr+2H_(2)SO_(4) rarr 2NaHSO_(4)+2HBr`
`2HBr+H_(2)SO_(4)rarr Br_(2)+SO_(2)+2H_(2)O`