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Questions and Answers
Why does nitric acid not release H2 gas when it reacts with a metal?
Why does nitric acid not release H2 gas when it reacts with a metal?
Nitric acid acts as a strong oxidising agent and oxidises the released H2 gas to H2O. It is reduced to either N2O, NO2, or NO.
Why is copper used to make hot water tanks instead of steel?
Why is copper used to make hot water tanks instead of steel?
Copper is a better conductor of heat compared to steel, making it ideal for hot water tanks.
Provide an example of a metal that can be easily cut with a knife and a metal that is a liquid at room temperature.
Provide an example of a metal that can be easily cut with a knife and a metal that is a liquid at room temperature.
(i) Sodium (easily cut with a knife) (ii) Mercury (liquid at room temperature)
Why do non-metals not displace hydrogen from dilute acids?
Why do non-metals not displace hydrogen from dilute acids?
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Name a metal that is preserved in kerosene and a lustrous colored non-metal.
Name a metal that is preserved in kerosene and a lustrous colored non-metal.
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Study Notes
Reactivity of Nitric Acid
- Nitric acid is a strong oxidizing agent.
- It reacts with metals to form nitrates, water, and oxides of nitrogen.
- The hydrogen produced in the reaction is immediately oxidized by nitric acid to form water.
- Metals such as copper, silver, and mercury do not react with dilute acids like hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid.
- Nitric acid can react with metals to produce hydrogen gas like with magnesium, zinc, and iron.
Copper and Hot Water Tanks
- Copper is used to make hot water tanks because it is highly resistant to corrosion.
- Steel is made from iron, which is susceptible to rusting.
- Rusting occurs when iron reacts with oxygen in the presence of water.
- The corrosion resistance of copper is due to the formation of a protective oxide layer on its surface.
Metal Properties
- Sodium is a soft metal that can be easily cut with a knife.
- Mercury is the only metal that is a liquid at room temperature.
Non-metals and Hydrogen Displacement
- Non-metals are generally less reactive than metals.
- They do not have the ability to displace hydrogen from dilute acids.
- This is because non-metals are generally more electronegative than hydrogen, meaning they have a stronger attraction for electrons.
Metal Preservation and Non-metal Properties
- Sodium is a very reactive metal that is easily oxidized by air and water.
- To prevent oxidation, it is preserved under kerosene.
- Iodine is a lustrous colored non-metal.
- It is a purple solid at room temperature but sublimes to form a violet vapor.
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Description
Test your knowledge of metals and non-metals with this quiz! Explore why metals do not release H2 gas when reacting with dilute nitric acid, and learn about the properties of copper and steel in relation to hot water tanks.
