U can distinguish then frm iodoform test. iodoform test is given by those aldehyde and ketones which contain

methyl ketonic group.
here in your question ethanal contain

methyl ketonic group thats y u'll get
yellow ppt of CH
3I(iodoform) bt in propanal u'll not get yellow ppt of iodoform becoz it does not contain

methyl ketonic group.
note:THIS TEST IS ALSO GIVEN BY ALCHOLS ON THE SAME FUNDAMENTAL.