MediumChemistryHigh School (9–10)GeneralMetals and Non-metals › Reactions and the Reactivity SeriesConceptual
A metal such as zinc gives hydrogen with dilute hydrochloric acid, but a non-metal such as sulphur…
Contributed by StemPy LabTry it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
A metal such as zinc gives hydrogen with dilute hydrochloric acid, but a non-metal such as sulphur does not. Give the reason in terms of electrons.
Need a reminder? The key ideaShow
Non-metals burn to give oxides that are mostly acidic: gives carbonic acid, sulphurous acid. Some, such as CO and water, are neutral. Non-metals tend to gain electrons, so they do not give hydrogen with acids.
The worked solution
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Step 1. Hydrogen ions, , become hydrogen gas only by gaining electrons.
Step 2. Zinc gives up electrons easily, so it can supply them.
Step 3. Sulphur tends to gain electrons, not give them, so it cannot.
Answer: non-metals do not give electrons to the hydrogen ions.
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