When lead nitrate powder is heated strongly in a boiling tube, brown fumes are given off. Which gas forms these brown fumes?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Nitrogen dioxide
Lead nitrate undergoes thermal decomposition: \(\mathrm{2Pb(NO_3)_2\rightarrow2PbO+4NO_2+O_2}\). The brown fumes are nitrogen dioxide; the oxygen given off with it is colourless.