Question

Hot conc. $H_{2}S{O}_4$ acts as moderately strong oxidising agent. It oxidises both metals and non-metals. Which of the following element is oxidised by conc. $H_{2}S{O}_4$ into two gaseous products?

• A. $Cu$
• B. $S$
• C. $C$
• D. $Zn$

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

$H_{2}S{O}_4$ is a moderately strong oxidising agent which oxidises both metals and non-metals as shown below
$Cu+2H_{2}S{O}_4$ (conc.) $\to CuS{O}_4+S{O}_2+2H_{2}O$
$S+2H_{2}S{O}_4$ (conc.) $\to 3S{O}_2+2H_{2}O$
While carbon on oxidation with $H_{2}S{O}_4$ produces two types of oxides $C{O}_2$ and $S{O}_2$
$C+2H_{2}S{O}_4$ (conc.) $\to C{O}_2+2S{O}_2+2H_{2}O$