Inorganic Chemistry: Non-Metals

Inorganic Chemistry

Non-metals

Refer to CSEC Chemistry by Naresh Birju Chapter 21 or Concise Chemistry by Anne Tindale Chapter 21

INDEX

Physical properties of non-metals

Chemical properties of non-metals

Laboratory Preparation of gases

Uses of gases

Uses of non-metals/compounds

Harmful effects of non-metals/compounds

Physical Properties of non-metals

Concise Chemistry by Anne Tindale page 168CSEC Chemistry by Naresh Birju page 316-317

Video

Physical properties include low melting and boiling points, low densities, dull appearance, weak, brittle and poor conductors of heat and electricity

click

Chemical properties of non-metals

Concise Chemistry by Anne Tindale pages 169-170 CSEC Chemistry by Naresh Birju pages 318-319

Chemical properties of non-metals

With metals

As oxidizing or reducing agents

With oxygen

This is ionic bonding and also a redox reaction. The non metals GAIN electrons while the metal LOSES electrons. Ionic salts /compounds are formed. Click here for more

This is also a redox reaction. Non metallic oxides are formed in this reaction. Most non metallic oxides are acidic while a few are neutral. Click here for more

ALL NON- METALS ACT AS OXIDIZING AGENTS WHEN REACTING WITH METALS.. Some like H2, C, S and N2 can also act as reducing agents.. Click here for more.

3. LABORATORY PREPARATION OF GASES

BASED ON THE SOLUBILITY IN WATER, REACTIVITY WITH DRYING AGENTS AND THE DENSITY COMPARED TO THAT OF AIR.CSEC Chemistry by Naresh Birju page 320-222 or Concise Chemistry by Anne Tindale Page 170-172

Laboratory preparation of carbon dioxide

React a carbonate with acid usually calcium carbonate(marble chips) and hydrochloric acid. The three images below show different laboratory apparatus that can be used to prepare and collect carbon dioxide. Click on each to learn more.

Laboratory preparation of carbon dioxide

React a carbonate with acid usually calcium carbonate(marble chips) and hydrochloric acid. The three images below show different laboratory apparatus that can be used to prepare and collect carbon dioxide. Click on each to learn more.

Laboratory preparation of oxygen

Decomposition of hydrogen peroxide using a catalyst of manganese (IV) oxide. The images on this page and the next show the apparatus that can be used to collect the oxygen gas. Click on each image to see more

The above images show other apparatus used in the laboratory preparation of oxygen. These are used to collect DRY oxygen gas. Click on each image to learn more

Overall laboratory apparatus to be used for preparation of carbon dioxide and oxygen

Laboratory preparation of ammonia

Heat a strong base with an ammonium salt e.g. sodium or potassium hydroxide with ammonium chloride. Click here AND on the image to see more

VIDEO

This video details the laboratory preparation of oxygen, ammonia and carbon dioxide

USES OF GASES

CSEC Chemistry by Anne Tindale pages 172-173 CSEC Chemistry by Naresh Birju pages 323-324

Uses of oxygen

USES OF OXYGENRefer to page 173 of the CSEC Chemistry by Anne Tindale or page 323-324 of Collins CSEC Chemistry by Naresh Birju

• In hospitals to help patients with breathing difficulties, to ease certain medical disorders (asthma, chronic bronchitis, Covid-19, treating persons suffering from carbon monoxide and heart disease
• On aeroplanes and submarines in emergencies
• In spacesuits for astronauts to breathe
• In breathing apparatus for scuba and deep sea divers
• In welding torches

VIDEO: Uses of carbon dioxide

USES OF CARBON DIOXIDERefer to page 172 in Concise Chemistry by Anne Tindale or page 323 in CSEC Chemistry by Naresh Birju

5. Uses of non-metals and their compounds

Non-metals and their compounds have a great many uses. Please refer to the charts given in the textbook Concise Chemistry by Anne Tindale on pages 173 to 176 orSEC Chemistry by Naresh Birju on pages324-327 to view the uses of carbon, sulphur, phosphorous, chlorine, nitrogen and silicon and their compounds. Click the image on the right to see some uses of diamond

Harmful effects of NON-METALS AND THEIR COMPOUNDS

Concise Chemistry by Anne Tindale pages 176-177CSEC Chemistry by Naresh Birju pages 327-329

a)carbon related pollutants

Carbon dioxide

Carbon particles

Carbon monoxide

This gas is released from the complete combustion of fossil fuels and causes the greenhouse effect and global warming and ocean acidification. Click to see more.

These particles are released from combustion of fossil fuels, bush fires and cigarette smoke and has many unpleasant effects in the environment. Click here to see more.

This gas is released from the INCOMPLETE combustion of fossil fuels and has adverse effects on the human body when inhaled. Click to see more

b)sulphur and nitrogen related pollutants

Hydrogen sulphide

Sulphur dioxide

Oxides of nitrogen

This gas is released from organic waste in landfills, garbage dumps and from petroleum refineries. It is poisonous to humans and animals. and reacts with haemoglobin like CO.

This gas is released from the combustion of fossil fuels and can cause respiratory problems, acid rain and smog. Click here to learn more!

These gases are formed from combustion at high temperatures in power stations and engines of motor vehicles. Click here to learn more.

c) other harmful pollutants

Chlorofluorocarbons

Nitrate and phosphate ions

Pesticides

These chemicals were formerly used in refrigerants and aerosol sprays and contributed to the breakdown of ozone in the higher atmosphere. Click here to see more..

These include insecticides, herbicides and fungicides that are used in agriculture and to control vectors of disease. Click here to see more.

These ions are primarily found in chemical fertilizers and synthetic detergents and cause eutrophication. Click here to see more.

Here are two images taken in Tobago showing algal bloom which could eventually lead to eutrophication

Catalytic Converters

Before the use of catalytic converters, harmful non metal compound polllutants like carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen were released into the atmosphere from car exhausts.

Today, catalytic converters are part of the vehicle manufacturing process and they convert these toxic pollutants to harmless gases. There are 2 types of catalyts present in the converter. Click here to learn more

Broken glass can cause injury to animals. It can also cause fires by acting as a lens, focusing the sun's rays on flammable material.

Printing inks from paper dumped in the ground may contain toxic elements like arsenic and cadmium. Bleaches and chlorine compounds from paper are also harmful.

Solid waste is one of the main sources of pollutants from non metals and includes glass, paper and plastics.

CXC CSEC Study guide

CXC CSEC Study guide

Plastics are made mainly from hydrocarbons obtained from natural gas, crude oil and coal. Their non-biodegradability make them remain in the environment for a long time making their disposal a major problem. Click to see more.

CSEC Chemistry page 178

THANKS!

Carbon particles coat leaves which reduces photosynthesis Carbon particles blacken buildings Combine with water vapour and sulphur dioxide to form smog.