chapter 7.  ELEMENTS OF GROUPS 16, 17 AND 18 class 12 chemistry textbook solution

Answer:-

a. Action of Chlorine on Iron (Fe):

When chlorine gas (Cl2) reacts with iron (Fe), the following chemical reaction can occur:

3Cl2(g) + 2Fe(s) → 2FeCl3(s)

In this reaction, chlorine gas oxidizes iron to form iron(III) chloride (FeCl3). Iron undergoes a change in oxidation state from 0 to +3 in the process. Iron(III) chloride is a reddish-brown solid and is commonly used in various chemical applications.

The reaction between chlorine and iron is highly exothermic and can be initiated by heating or exposure to light. It’s important to note that chlorine gas is toxic and should be handled with care.

b. Action of Chlorine on an Excess of Ammonia (NH3):

When chlorine gas (Cl2) reacts with an excess of ammonia gas (NH3), a series of complex reactions occur, resulting in the formation of various nitrogen compounds, including nitrogen trichloride (NCl3), nitrogen gas (N2), and hydrogen chloride (HCl). The overall reaction can be summarized as follows:

8NH3(g) + 6Cl2(g) → 6NH4Cl(s) + N2(g) + 9HCl(g)

In this reaction, the excess ammonia (NH3) reacts with chlorine gas to produce ammonium chloride (NH4Cl), nitrogen gas (N2), and hydrogen chloride (HCl). Nitrogen trichloride (NCl3) is a highly unstable intermediate compound formed during the reaction, which eventually decomposes to yield nitrogen gas and hydrogen chloride.

The reaction between chlorine and ammonia is a common laboratory demonstration known for producing a visible cloud of white smoke due to the formation of ammonium chloride particles. This reaction should be performed with caution in a well-ventilated area, as hydrogen chloride gas produced is corrosive and should not be inhaled.