Inorganic Chemistry: Non-Metals, Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Major Element Groups

How are non-metals defined based on their atomic structure?

They are elements whose atoms contain four or more electrons in their valence shells and ionize by accepting electrons to complete these outermost shells, forming negatively charged ions (electronegative elements).

What is the common laboratory method for preparing hydrogen gas?

The action of dilute mineral acids, such as hydrochloric acid or tetraoxosulphate (vi) acid, on metals above hydrogen in the electrochemical series, like zinc, magnesium, aluminium, and iron: $\text{Zn(s)} + 2\text{HCl(aq)} \rightarrow \text{ZnCl}_2\text{(aq)} + \text{H}_2\text{(g)}$.

Which impurities are found in hydrogen gas produced from zinc metal, and how are they removed?

The gas contains traces of hydrogen sulphide, arsine ($\text{AsH}_3$), and phosphine ($\text{PH}_3$). They can be removed by passing the gas through acidified $\text{KMnO}_4$.

Briefly describe the Bosch process for the industrial manufacture of hydrogen from water gas.

Steam is passed over white-hot coke at $1200^{\circ}\text{C}$ to form water gas ($\text{CO}$ and $\text{H}_2$). This is then treated with more steam at $450^{\circ}\text{C}$ in the presence of an iron (ii) oxide catalyst to produce $\text{CO}_2$ and more $\text{H}_2$.

What are the three isotopes of hydrogen and their relative masses?

1. Protium ($\text{H}_1^1$) with mass 1. 2. Deuterium ($\text{H}_1^2$ or $\text{D}$) with mass 2. 3. Tritium ($\text{H}_1^3$ or $\text{T}$) with mass 3.

What is the result of the identification test for hydrogen gas?

Hydrogen gas extinguishes a burning wooden splint with a 'Pop' sound.

How is oxygen prepared industrially?

By fractional distillation of liquefied air. Nitrogen boils off first at $-196^{\circ}\text{C}$, leaving liquid oxygen behind, which boils at $-183^{\circ}\text{C}$.

Define neutral oxides and provide four examples mentioned in the text.

Neutral oxides are non-metallic oxides that have neither acidic nor basic properties. Examples include $\text{CO}$, $\text{NO}$, $\text{N}_2\text{O}$, and $\text{H}_2\text{O}$.

What are amphoteric oxides?

They are metallic oxides that can react with both basic and acidic oxides to form salts and water only