Question

2. Three students, X, Y and Z, were told that solid P reacts with dilute acids and also conducts
electricity
The students' suggestions about the identity of P are as follows:
Student X-Copper
Student Y- Iron
Student Z- Graphite​

Answer 1

Answer:

IRON

Explanation:

IRON react with dilute acid to displace hydrogen

it conduct electricity as well

Copper do not displace hydrogen but conduct electricity

Answer 2

The suggestion of Student Y- Iron is correct.

• Copper and iron are metals while graphite is non-metal.
• Given that P conducts electricity. We know that all metals can conduct electricity. Graphite although being non-metal can still conduct electricity due to the presence of valence electrons.
• Thus all three conduct electricity.
• Only metals that are more reactive than hydrogen can react with dilute acids.
• Graphite (non-metal) and Copper (less reactive than H) cannot react with dilute acids.
• Iron reacts with acids to evolve Hydrogen gas. Hence, P must be Iron.