Question

The reaction of zinc with sulphur produces:
A.Zinc sulphide
B.Zinc sulphate
C.Zinc oxide
D.Sulphur dioxide

Answer 1

The reaction of zinc and sulphur produces a luminescent material. This luminescent compound exists in two crystalline forms. One of these crystalline forms is called zinc blende or sphalerite and the other is called wurtzite.

Complete step by step answer:
-Zinc is a bluish white metal and is moderately reactive in nature. It is a member of group 12 of the periodic table. It has the electronic configuration $\left[ {{\text{Ar}}} \right]{\text{3}}{{\text{d}}^{{\text{10}}}}{\text{4}}{{\text{s}}^{\text{2}}}$ .
-The oxidation state of +2 dominates the chemistry of zinc. When compounds of zinc in this oxidation state are formed, the electrons of the outer shell ‘s’ are removed and this yields a bare zinc ion having the electronic configuration $\left[ {{\text{Ar}}} \right]{\text{3}}{{\text{d}}^{{\text{10}}}}$ .
-Sulphur is a bright yellow, crystalline non – metal. It also exists in the powdered form. It is a chalcogen as it is a member of group 16. Its most common oxidation states range from -2 to +6.
-When zinc and sulphur is allowed to react, a violent reaction takes place to produce the chalcogenide zinc sulphide which has the chemical formula ${\text{ZnS}}$ . This reaction is accompanied by the vigorous evolution of light, heat and gas. The products of this reaction also include small amounts of zinc oxide and sulphur dioxide.
-The chemical reaction can be written as follows:
${\text{Zn}}\left( {\text{s}} \right){\text{ + S}}\left( {\text{s}} \right) \to {\text{ZnS}}\left( {\text{s}} \right)$
In zinc sulphide, zinc is in +2 oxidation state and sulphur is in -2 oxidation state.

Therefore, the correct option is A.

Note:
-The hot gas produced in this reaction is sufficient enough to propel small rockets.
-Zinc sulphide displays strong phosphorescence and is used in cathode ray tubes, in X-ray screens and also in glow in the dark products.
-Zinc sulphide can also be doped as either an n-type semiconductor or a p-type semiconductor.