Question:medium

Which of these sulfides is not black?

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Cadmium sulfide (CdS) is yellow in color and is commonly used as a pigment. All other metal sulfides listed (CuS, PbS, Ag\(_2\)S) are black in color.
Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
  • CuS
  • PbS
  • Ag\(_2\)S
  • CdS
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation


The color of metal sulfides varies depending on the metal ion and the compound's structure.
Most transition metal sulfides appear black because they absorb a broad spectrum of light. 
Here's a color overview of selected sulfides: 
CuS (Copper sulfide): Black. 
PbS (Lead sulfide): Black; frequently encountered in qualitative analysis. 
Ag\(_2\)S (Silver sulfide): Black precipitate; responsible for silver tarnish. 
CdS (Cadmium sulfide): Yellow, not black; utilized as a yellow pigment (cadmium yellow).
Consequently, among the listed sulfides, only Cadmium sulfide (CdS) is not black.

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