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 then give the reaction involved?

Answer 1

Hint: Usually, metals are in solid form in room temperature. Only a few exceptions are there where metals are not acting solids at room temperature.

Complete answer:
We know that the only metal that exists in the liquid form at the room temperature is mercury. It has a molecular formula, Hg.
Principal ore of mercury is Cinnabar. It has a molecular formula, HgS. Cinnabar is a soft and reddish brown mercury sulphide. Mercury is a toxic mineral.
Mercury is extracted in the following steps:
(1) Concentration of ore: In this process unwanted dirt is separated from the ore.
(2) Roasting of ore: Cinnabar ore is heated in the presence of air to form metal oxide and Sulphur dioxide.
$2HgS + 3{O_2} \to 2HgO + 2S{O_2}$
Mercury is separated from its oxide by further heating at around ${300^0}C$.
$2HgO + heat \to 2Hg + {O_2}$
This mercury contains some impurities which are separated by electrolytic refining.

Additional Information: Mercury is a rare element.
- Mercury does not react with most acids.
- Mercury is used in fluorescent lamps, thermometers, float valves etc.

Note: Mercury is hazardous to humans at room temperature because it starts to vaporize at room temperature. If mercury vapor is inhaled, it can easily go into our lungs, bloodstream and brain. Therefore, large amounts of mercury cannot even be touched with bare hands.