Question

A chemical reaction is generally accompanied by certain external indications or characteristics. These include – change of – (a) colour (b) state (c) smell (d) evolution of gas (e) formation of precipitate (f) evolution or absorption of heat. With reference to change of colour – state the change in colour seen when the following are heated – mercury [II] oxide.

Answer 1

Change of colour — In certain chemical reactions a change of colour is seen to be observed. Heat on substances to observe change in colour of reactants and products.

Heat on:

Mercury [II] oxide 2HgO → 2Hg + O₂ [g]

Colour change:

Mercury [II] oxide [HgO] – Red – to Mercury [Hg] – Silvery