Question

Write a test to identify the gas evolved (if any) during the reaction of these metals with water.

Suggest an activity to differentiate between the chemical properties (acidic or basic character) of the product obtained on burning a metal (magnesium) and a non-metal (sulphur).

The metals which are found in both free state as well as combined state are :

Three metal samples of magnesium, aluminium and iron were taken and rubbed with sand paper. These samples were then put separately in test tubes containing dilute hydrochloric acid. Thermometers were also suspended in each test tube so that their bulbs dipped in the acid. The rate of formation of bubbles was observed. The above activity was repeated with dilute nitric acid and the observations were recorded.