Question

Hot conc. $H_{2}SO_{4}$ acts as moderately strong oxidising agent. It oxidises both metals and non-metals. Which of the following element is oxidised by conc. $H_{2}SO_{4}$ into two gaseous products?

• A. $Cu$
• B. $S$
• C. $C$
• D. $Zn$

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

$H_{2}SO_{4}$ is a moderately strong oxidising agent which oxidises both metals and non-metals as shown below
$Cu+2H_{2}SO_{4}$ (conc.) $ \to CuSO_{4}+SO_{2}+2H_{2}O$
$S+2H_{2}SO_{4}$ (conc.) $\to 3SO_{2}+2H_{2}O$
While carbon on oxidation with $H_{2}SO_{4}$ produces two types of oxides $CO_{2}$ and $SO_{2}$
$C + 2H_2SO_4 $ (conc.) $\rightarrow CO_2 + 2 SO_2 + 2H_2O$