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 and acid D which act as a strong oxidising agent. (a) Identify A, B, C and D. (b) To which group of periodic table does this non-metal belong?
(a) 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+3H2→2NH3 When nitrogen is heated with oxygen, we get nitrogen dioxide N2+2O2→2NO2 When nitrogen dioxide is treated with water, we get nitric acid NO2+H2O→HNO3 (b) This non-metal belongs to Group 15.
