A non-metal A which is the largest constituent of air, when heated with H2 in 1: 3 ratio in the presence of catalyst (Fe) gives a gas B. On heating with O2 it gives an oxide C. If this oxide is passed into water in the presence of air it gives an acid D which acts as a strong oxidising agent.
(a) Identify A, B, C and D
Ans. A is nitrogen; because nitrogen is the largest constituent of air. B is ammonia, C is nitrogen dioxide and D is nitric acid (nitric acid is a strong oxidizing agent). When nitrogen is heated with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst, following reaction takes place:
N2 + 3 H2 → 2NH3
When nitrogen is heated with oxygen, we get nitrogen dioxide.
N2 + O2 → 2NO2
When nitrogen dioxide is treated with water, we get nitric acid
NO2 + H2O → HNO3
(b) To which group of periodic table does this non-metal belong?
Ans. This non-metal belongs to Group 15.
