Question

State whether the following statement is true or false:

Non-metals react with dilute acids to produce a gas which burns with a ‘pop’ sound.

Answer 1

This statement is false.

Explanation:

Non-metals do not react with dilute acids because they are electron acceptors and cannot donate electrons to reduce hydrogen ions (H⁺) into hydrogen gas. Instead, active metals react with dilute acids to displace hydrogen. It is this displaced hydrogen gas that burns with a characteristic ‘pop’ sound.