Question

State three reasons for the following facts
(a) Sulphur is a non-metal

(b) Magnesium is a metal

One of the reasons must be supported with a chemical equation​

Answer 1

Answer:

Sulphur is non-metal because

(1) Number of electrons in the valence shell is more than 4 i.e., 6 unlike metals which have valence electrons less than 4.

(2) It has tendency to accept electrons.

(3) It is non-lustrous.

(4) It burns in air to form sulphur dioxide which is an acidic oxide as non-metals react with air to form acidic oxide.

S + O2 → SO2

Magnesium is metal because

(1) Number of valence electrons is less than 4 i.e., 2 unlike non-metal which have valence electrons more than 4.

(2) It has tendency to lose electrons as the ionisation energy is low.

(3) It exhibits lusture.

(4) It burns in air to form MgO which is a basic oxide as metals form basic oxide with air.

2Mg + O2 → 2MgO