Question

Which of the following does not produce hydrogen with NaC (a) \(\mathrm{Si}\) (b) \(\mathrm{S}\) (c) \(\mathrm{B}\) (d) \(\mathrm{Zn}\)

Short answer

Bor (B) does not produce hydrogen with NaC.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Reaction Conditions

To identify which element does not react with sodium carbonate (NaC) to produce hydrogen, we need to consider typical reactions between each element and an alkali metal like sodium or its compounds.

Analyze Each Option

We'll consider possible reactions for each element provided in the choices: - (a) Silicon (Si): Generally forms silicates with sodium but does not produce hydrogen gas. - (b) Sulfur (S): Reacts with sodium to form sodium sulfide, without hydrogen production. - (c) Boron (B): Does not react with sodium carbonate to produce hydrogen. - (d) Zinc (Zn): Reacts with alkalies to release hydrogen gas.

Determine the Non-Hydrogen Producer

Based on typical chemical behavior, knowing that Zn can react in alkalies to produce hydrogen, we identify which of the elements (Si, S, B) does not engage in a reaction that liberates hydrogen with sodium or its compounds.

Conclusion

Silicon, Sulfur, or Boron will not produce hydrogen with sodium carbonate. Knowing from Step 2, Zinc reacts and can release hydrogen, while Boron typically will not. Therefore, Boron (B) does not produce hydrogen with NaC.

Key concepts

Sodium Carbonate Reactions

Sodium carbonate, often known as washing soda or soda ash, is a powerful base used frequently in various chemical reactions. It possesses the chemical formula \(\text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3\). Sodium carbonate reacts with acids to produce carbon dioxide, water, and a salt. It forms the backbone of various chemical reactions and is widely used in industry and laboratories. While sodium carbonate is efficient in neutralizing acids, it does not produce hydrogen gas directly, unlike reactions involving acids with metals. Understanding its behavior in reactions helps in predicting the outcomes when combined with different elements and compounds.

Hydrogen Gas Production

Hydrogen gas production is an intriguing aspect of chemistry. It occurs primarily when metals react with acids or water, resulting in the release of hydrogen gas. The reaction generally follows a pattern where a metal displaces hydrogen, forming a salt and hydrogen gas. For example, zinc reacts with hydrochloric acid to produce zinc chloride and hydrogen gas.

However, when it comes to compounds like sodium carbonate, the production of hydrogen gas is uncommon, unless the reaction involves a more complex pathway or additional reactants. In general observations, elements such as boron or silicon don't produce hydrogen when reacting with sodium carbonate. This is because these elements form different compounds without hydrogen being released. Understanding these nuances is crucial for predicting chemical reaction outcomes.

Metal and Nonmetal Reactions

The distinction between metals and nonmetals in chemical reactions is fundamental to chemistry. Metals tend to lose electrons and form cations, whereas nonmetals gain electrons to form anions. This leads to the formation of ionic compounds, characterized by their electrostatic interactions.

When sodium carbonate interacts with nonmetals, such as sulfur or phosphorus, the reaction typically involves the formation of compounds without liberating gases like hydrogen. For example, sulfur and sodium form sodium sulfide. This reaction does not produce hydrogen gas, emphasizing how nonmetals behave differently from metals in chemical processes. Understanding this behavior allows one to predict which reactions might follow the typical metal-acid pattern that results in hydrogen gas production.

Alkali Metal Reactions

Alkali metals, which include sodium, potassium, and lithium, are known for their vigorous reactions with water and acids, often producing hydrogen gas in the process. Sodium carbonate itself is not an alkali metal but a carbonate salt of sodium, an alkali metal. While sodium reacts vividly with water to form sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas, sodium carbonate doesn't directly follow this pattern.

When it comes to alkali metals, the reactivity usually depends on the specific conditions and reactants. Reactions involving sodium carbonate and elements such as zinc are of particular interest because zinc, while not an alkali metal, can react in such environments to release hydrogen gas. Understanding the components involved in these reactions helps in anticipating the potential for hydrogen gas release.