Introduction to inorganic chemistry:
Frequently asked questions

Alkali metals

• Questions about table salt
• Why is the reaction between sodium and water so spectacular?
• Who discovered potassium and sodium?
• Is there a simple test for K⁺ ions?

Alkaline earth metals

• How can I prepare a luminescent alkaline earth sulfide?

Carbon and inorganic carbon compounds

• What happens when sodium bicarbonate is heated?
• What is a carbonate, and what is it used for?
• How can CO₂ gas be detected?
• How do underwater rebreathers scrub CO₂ from air supplies?
• Who discovered carbon?
• How does H₂CO₃ form when CO₂ dissolves in water?
• Is there an easy way to produce pure carbon in the classroom?
• What is the reaction of limestone with water?
• Why are some carbon compounds classified as inorganic?

Elements

• Why is potassium necessary in the diet?

Hydrogen and oxygen

• How can pure hydrogen gas be prepared and detected?

Metalloids

• Is silicon flammable?
• Is silicon expensive?

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur

• What is a quick way to detect H₂S?
• What is laughing gas?
• What are the products of the reaction between phosphorus pentoxide and water?
• How is SO₂ waste recycled to make wallboard?

Nontransition metals

• Why can't I find information about certain mercurous compounds in any texts?
• Why is mercury a liquid at STP?

Transition metals

• What is blue vitriol?
• Can copper sulfate be a health hazard?
• How does iron rust?
• How can CuO be synthesized from CuSO₄ and KOH?
• What are some common reactions of iron and its compounds?
• How does permanganate cause stains- and also remove them?
• Why does ZnO turn yellow when heated?

Copyright © 1997-2005 by Fred Senese
Comments & questions to fsenese@frostburg.edu
Last Revised 07/31/07.URL: http://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/101/inorganic/faq.shtml