A metal that exists as a liquid at room temperature is obtained by heating its sulphide in the presence of air. Identify the metal and its ore and give the reaction involved.
This metal is mercury because mercury exists as liquid at room temperature. Mercury ore is called cinnabar (HgS). When cinnabar is heated in presence of air, following reaction takes place:
2HgS + O2 → 2 HgO + 2 SO2
Mercury oxide is further heated to obtain mercury:
2HgO → 2Hg + O2
