Question

A metal X is obtained from its chloride salt by exposure to sunlight.

(a) In which section of the reactivity series of metals- top, middle or bottom, is it likely to be placed? Justify your answer.

(b) Identify the type of reaction the chloride salt of metal X undergoes on exposure to sunlight.

Answer 1

(a) Metals at the bottom of the reactivity series are the least reactive. They occur in their free state; their compounds are unstable and hence easily converted to metal.

(b) photolytic decomposition