Question

On adding dilute sulphuric acid to a test tube containing a metal ‘X’, a colourless gas is produced when a burning match stick is brought near it. Which of the following correctly represents the metal ‘X’?

Options

• Sodium

• Sulphur

• Copper

• Silver

Answer 1

Sodium

Explanation:

The element X is sodium. When sodium metal reacts with sulphuric acid, sodium replaces the hydrogen ion, forming sodium sulphate and hydrogen gas. When a lit matchstick is brought close to the mouth of the hydrogen gas-filled test tube, it burns with a pop-up sound.

\[\ce{H2SO4 + 2Na -> Na2SO4 + H2}\]