Question

The metal which can be extracted simply by heating the cinnabar ore is:

• A. $Zn$
• B. $Cu$
• C. $Al$
• D. $Hg$

Answer 1

The correct option is D $Hg$

Metals low in the activity series are very unreactive. The oxides of these metals can be reduced to metals by heating alone.
Cinnabar $\left(HgS\right)$ is an ore of mercury. When it is heated in air, it is first converted into mercuric oxide $\left(HgO\right)$. Mercuric oxide is then reduced to mercury on further heating.