Question

A non-metal X reacts with concentrated nitric acid to form carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen dioxide. Identify X from the options given below.​

• A. Carbon​
• B. Phosphorus​
• C. Sulphur​

Answer 1

The correct option is A Carbon​

• In option A, the non metal is Sulphur. When sulphur reacts with nitric acid it gives sulphuric acid, water and nitrogen dioxide.
  $S\left(s\right)+6HN{O}_3\left(aq\right)\to H_{2}S{O}_4\left(aq\right)+2H_{2}O\left(l\right)+6N{O}_2\left(g\right)$
• In option B, the non metal is Carbon. When carbon reacts with nitric acid it gives carbon dioxide, water and nitrogen dioxide.
  $C\left(s\right)+4HN{O}_3\left(aq\right)\to C{O}_2\left(g\right)+2H_{2}O\left(l\right)+4N{O}_2\left(g\right)$
• In option C, the non metal is Phosphorus. When Phosphorus reacts with nitric acid it gives phosphoric acid, water and nitrogen dioxide.
  $P\left(s\right)+5HN{O}_3\left(aq\right)\to H_{3}P{O}_4\left(aq\right)+H_{2}O\left(l\right)+5N{O}_2\left(g\right)$
• Only carbon gives carbon dioxide, water and nitrogen dioxide while reacting with nitric acid.
• Correct option: B.