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Reaction of alkaline earth metal with sulphuric (VI) acid

Answer Text:

Reaction of alkaline earth metal With sulphuric (VI) acid.
Beryllium:
- When a piece of beryllium is dropped into a beaker containing sulphuric (VI) acid, there is effervescence of a colourless gas.
- The colourless gas produces a pop sound when exposed to a burning splint confirming that it is hydrogen gas.
- A colourless solution of beryllium sulphate remains in the test tube // boiling tube.
Equation:# Be(s) + H_2SO_4(aq) → BeSO_4(aq) + H_2(g)#
Magnesium:
- When a piece of magnesium is dropped into a beaker containing sulphuric (VI) acid, there is effervescence of a colourless gas.
- The colourless gas produces a pop sound when exposed to a burning splint confirming that it is hydrogen gas.
- A colourless solution of magnesium sulphate remains in the test tube // boiling tube.
Equation: #Mg(s) + H_2SO_4(aq) → MgSO_4(aq) + H_2(g)#
Calcium:
- When a piece of calcium is dropped into a beaker containing sulphuric (VI) acid, there is slight effervescence of a colourless gas.
- The colourless gas produces a pop sound when exposed to a
burning splint confirming that it is hydrogen gas.
- The reaction however quickly stops and there is formation of a white precipitate in the test tube or boiling tube.
Reason: - When calcium reacts with dilute sulphuric (VI) cid there is formation of calcium sulphate which is insoluble hence the formation of a white precipitate. The insoluble calcium sulphate coats the
surface of the (calcium) metal stopping further reaction.
Equation: #Ca(s) + H_2SO_4(aq) → CaSO_4(s) + H_2(g)#