A non-metal A is an important constituent of our food and forms two oxides B and C. Oxide B is toxic whereas C causes global warming (a) Identify A, B and C (b) To which Group of Periodic Table does A belong?

Answer:

(a) A is Carbon. B is Carbon monoxide and C is Carbon-dioxide.

• Carbon compounds are present everywhere i.e. in the food that we eat, the clothes that we wear and even in the lead of the pencil by which we write.
• The atomic number of carbon is 6 and the atomic mass is 12.01gmol^-1
• Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless and odorless gas, which is produced by the combustion of materials that contain carbon.
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning can result in brain damage and even death. As carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas we can’t see, smell, or taste it, but it can be fatal for human beings.
• Global warming is a gradual increase in the earth’s temperature generally due to the greenhouse effect caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide, CFCs, and other pollutants.

(b) Carbon belongs to Group 14.