Question

An element Z has atomic number 16. Answer the following questions on Z:

1. State the period and group to which Z belongs.
2. Is Z a metal or a non-metal?
3. State the formula between Z and hydrogen.
4. What kind of a compound is this?

Answer 1

An element Z having atomic number 16 is sulphur.

1. Sulphur belongs to Period 3 and Group 16.
2. Sulphur is a non-metal.
3. Two hydrogen atoms combine with one sulphur atom to form hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) gas.
4. Hydrogen sulphide is the chemical compound with the formula H₂S. It is a colourless gas with the characteristic foul odour of rotten eggs; it is heavier than air, very poisonous, corrosive, flammable and explosive.