Question

An element E reacts with water to form a solution which turns phenolphthalein solution pink. The element E is most likely to be ______.

Options

• S

• Ca

• C

• Ag

Answer 1

An element E reacts with water to form a solution which turns phenolphthalein solution pink. The element E is most likely to be Ca.

Explanation:

Phenolphthalein is a pH indicator that turns pink in basic (alkaline) solutions. Calcium (Ca) reacts with water to form calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)₂], which is a strong base. In contrast, sulphur (S) and carbon (C) are non-metals that do not form basic solutions, while silver (Ag) is unreactive and does not react with water.