Question

Which metal does not react with oxygen at high temperature?

• A. $\mathrm{Mg}$
• B. $\mathrm{Al}$
• C. $\mathrm{Ag}$
• D. $\mathrm{Zn}$

Answer 1

The correct option is C

$\mathrm{Ag}$

Some metals have stable electronic configurations due to which their reactivity is very less and these metals are known as Noble metals.

For example: Gold ($\mathrm{Au}$), Silver ($\mathrm{Ag}$), Copper ($\mathrm{Cu}$), etc.

Explanation for the correct option:

(C) Silver ($\mathrm{Ag}$): Silver ($\mathrm{Ag}$) metal is a noble metal due to which its reactivity is very less, therefore, does not react with Oxygen (${\mathrm{O}}_2$) at high temperature.

Explanation for the incorrect options:

(A) Magnesium ($\mathrm{Mg}$): Magnesium ($\mathrm{Mg}$) can react with Oxygen (${\mathrm{O}}_2$) at high temperature. The reaction is given below:

$\underset{\mathrm{Magnesium}}{2\mathrm{Mg}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)}+\underset{\mathrm{Oxygen}}{{\mathrm{O}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)}\to \underset{\mathrm{Magnesium}\mathrm{oxide}}{2\mathrm{MgO}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)}$

(B) Aluminium ($\mathrm{Al}$): Aluminium ($\mathrm{Al}$) can react with Oxygen (${\mathrm{O}}_2$) at high temperature. The reaction is given below:

$\underset{\mathrm{Aluminium}}{4\mathrm{Al}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)}+\underset{\mathrm{Oxygen}}{3{\mathrm{O}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)}\to \underset{\mathrm{Aluminium}\mathrm{oxide}}{2{\mathrm{Al}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3\left(\mathrm{s}\right)}$

(D) Zinc ($\mathrm{Zn}$): Zinc ($\mathrm{Zn}$) can react with Oxygen (${\mathrm{O}}_2$) at high temperature. The reaction is given below:

$\underset{\mathrm{Zinc}}{2\mathrm{Zn}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)}+\underset{\mathrm{Oxygen}}{{\mathrm{O}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)}\to \underset{\mathrm{Zinc}\mathrm{oxide}}{2\mathrm{ZnO}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)}$

Therefore, the correct option is (C).