Question

Which gas produce foul smelling gas with sulphur:
A.Hydrogen
B.Oxygen
C.Nitrogen
D.Chlorine

Answer 1

Hint: To solve this question, we must understand the products that are formed by reacting the given elements with sulphur. Then we can determine from the characteristic properties that which gas is foul smelling and which gas is not.

Complete Step-by-Step Answer:
Before we move forward with the solution of the given question, let us first understand some important basic concepts.
All the elements mentioned in the options as well as sulphur are in their gaseous states at normal conditions and hence their product would also be a gas. Let us discuss the products that are formed when sulphur reacts with these elements:
1.Hydrogen: Sulphur reacts with oxygen to give hydrogen sulphide gas. Hydrogen sulphide can be described as a flammable and colourless gas. It is also extremely hazardous in nature. It is also known as sewer gas, swamp gas, manure gas because of the peculiar foul smell it has. The chemical reaction for the formation of hydrogen sulphide is as follows:
 \[{H_2} + S \to {H_2}S\]
2.Oxygen: Sulphur reacts with oxygen to form sulphur dioxide gas. Sulphur dioxide can be described as a non – flammable and colourless gas. It is also a very toxic gas which has an acid – like tase and exudes a pungent smell. The chemical reaction for the formation of sulphur dioxide can be given as:
 \[S + {O_2} \to S{O_2}\]
3.Nitrogen: Sulphur and nitrogen do not form direct compounds with each other without the presence of other compounds or catalysts.
4.Chlorine: Sulphur reacts with chlorine to form sulphur tetrachloride. Sulphur tetrachloride can be described as pale yellow solid. The chemical equation for the formation of the same can be given as:
 \[S + 2C{l_2} \to SC{l_4}\]

Hence, Option A is the correct option

Note: Sulphur is a p – block element and has an atomic number of 16. Hence, the electronic configuration of sulphur can be given as \[1{s^2}2{s^2}2{p^6}3{s^2}3{p^4}\] . This means that it has 4 electrons in its valence orbital, which makes it a readily reactive element. Now, sulphur has the capacity to show various oxidations like (+2), (-2), (+4), etc.