Basic Wastewater Operator Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the Basic Wastewater Operator Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question comes with helpful hints and explanations. Ensure your success!

Practice this question and more.

What is the chemical symbol for hydrogen sulfide?

HFS
H2SO4
H2S
HNO3

The correct answer is: H2S

The chemical symbol for hydrogen sulfide is represented as H2S. This nomenclature indicates that each molecule of hydrogen sulfide contains two hydrogen atoms (H) and one sulfur atom (S). The "H2" signifies that there are two hydrogen atoms, while the “S” stands for sulfur. Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless gas known for its characteristic rotten egg smell and is commonly encountered in various industrial processes as well as in natural environments. Other choices represent different compounds that do not correspond to hydrogen sulfide. For instance, HFS does not represent a recognized chemical compound. H2SO4 is the formula for sulfuric acid, which is a strong acid and not related to hydrogen sulfide. HNO3 denotes nitric acid, another strong oxidizing acid used widely in various chemical reactions. Understanding the distinct molecular structures and compositions of these compounds helps identify hydrogen sulfide correctly as H2S.