State reasons for the following : (a) Zinc oxide is an amphoteric oxide. (b) Sodium metal is stored in…
State reasons for the following :
(a) Zinc oxide is an amphoteric oxide.
(b) Sodium metal is stored in bottle filled with kerosene oil.
(c) In the reactions of nitric acid with metals, generally hydrogen gas is not evolved.
Solution
(a) Amphoteric oxide (zinc oxide) reacts with acids as well as bases to produce salt and water.
(b) If kept in open, sodium metal reacts vigorously with air and catches fire / kerosene oil does not allow sodium to come in contact with air and catch fire.
(c) Nitric acid is a strong oxidising agent. It oxidises the hydrogen produced in the reaction to water.