Question

An element X which is a yellow solid at room temperature shows catenation and allotropy. X forms two oxides which are also formed during the thermal decomposition of ferrous sulphate crystals and are the major air pollutants.

1. Identify the element X
2. Write the electronic configuration of X
3. Write the balanced chemical equation for the thermal decomposition of ferrous sulphate crystals?
4. What would be the nature (acidic/ basic) of oxides formed?
5. Locate the position of the element in the Modern Periodic Table.

Answer 1

1. Element X is sulphur.
2. Electronic configuration of X is 2, 8, 6.
3. \[\ce{2FeSO4(s) \overset{Heat}{->} Fe2O3(s) + SO2(g) + SO3(g)}\]
4. Oxides of sulphurs are acidic in nature.
5. Sulphur is placed at group number 16th and 3rd period in the modern periodic table.