What is the typical appearance of sodium sulfide before it reacts with lead?

What is the typical appearance of sodium sulfide before it reacts with lead?

• A. A gray powder
• B. A clear liquid
• C. A brown sludge
• D. A colored gas

Answer: (B)

Sodium sulfide typically appears as a gray powder before it reacts with lead. This solid form is consistent with its chemical properties, as sodium sulfide often presents as a crystalline or powdery substance that may have a dusty appearance. The choice of a clear liquid is not accurate for sodium sulfide, as it does not exist in that form at room temperature and pressure. Instead, sodium sulfide generally needs to be dissolved in water to form a solution, but in its most common state, it is a solid, which is indicated by the gray powder description. The presence of lead compounds interacting with sodium sulfide may lead to other reactions, but the initial form of sodium sulfide remains a gray powder.

Sodium sulfide typically appears as a gray powder before it reacts with lead. This solid form is consistent with its chemical properties, as sodium sulfide often presents as a crystalline or powdery substance that may have a dusty appearance. The choice of a clear liquid is not accurate for sodium sulfide, as it does not exist in that form at room temperature and pressure. Instead, sodium sulfide generally needs to be dissolved in water to form a solution, but in its most common state, it is a solid, which is indicated by the gray powder description. The presence of lead compounds interacting with sodium sulfide may lead to other reactions, but the initial form of sodium sulfide remains a gray powder.