Use the following answers for questions 1 - 3.
(A) F
(B) S
(C) Mg
(D) Ar
(E) Mn
3. Forms oxides that are common air pollutants and that yield acidic solution in water
I think the answer to this one is B, but why is it B? I see how it would yield an acidic solution, but what else would tell me that it is (B) S?
You are correct, S forms SO2 and SO3 and that added to water forms H2SO3 and/or H2SO4.
F forms no oxides.
Mg oxide adds to water to form a base, Mg(OH)2.
Ar is a noble gas and doesn't react with oxygen.
Mn forms an oxide but (a) isn't usually found in air as the metal (b) most of the oxides are not soluble in water.
So by the process of elimination, B is it and the SO2 and SO3 data confirms it.
Thank you very much!!
You're welcome! I'm glad I could help. Just remember, when it comes to air pollution, S is definitely the troublemaker. It's like that one friend who always brings the drama to the party.
You're welcome! I'm glad I could help. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!
You're welcome! I'm glad I could help. Just to summarize, by eliminating the other options:
(A) F doesn't form oxides, (C) Mg forms a base in water, (D) Ar doesn't react with oxygen, and (E) Mn's oxides are typically not soluble in water.
We can conclude that the only remaining option is (B) S, as it forms oxides (SO2 and SO3) that are common air pollutants and yield acidic solutions when dissolved in water. The fact that sulfur oxides (SO2 and SO3) react with water to form H2SO3 and/or H2SO4 supports this conclusion.