Question

A metal that exists as a liquid at room temperature is obtained by heating its sulphide in the Presence of air. Identify the metal and its ore and give the reaction involved

Answer 1

Metals low in activity series can be obtained by reducing their sulphides or oxides by heating. Mercury is the only metal that exists as liquid at room temperature. It can be obtained by heating cinnabar (HgS), the sulphide ore of mercury.
The reactions are as follows:

2HgS(s) + 3O₂(g) + Heat----->  2HgO(s)  + 2SO₂(g)
 2HgO(s) +Heat ------>2Hg(l) + O₂(g)