Chapter 16, Problem 16.175QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

• The formulas and names of the oxides of the second period elements has to be written
• Using the highest oxidation state of each element, the oxides as acidic, basic, or amphoteric has to be identified

Concept Information:

Oxides of metals and non-metals may be,

Acidic-exhibits acidic character

Basic-exhibits basic character

Amphoteric-exhibits both acidic and basic  character

Neutral-does not exhibit any of the acidic or basic character

Except Beryllium oxide ( $\text{BeO}$), all the oxides of alkali metals and alkaline earth metal are basic in nature.

None of the oxides of non-metals show basic property.

Oxides of non-metals with higher oxidation number of the main group elements are highly acidic whereas those with lesser oxidation number does not exhibit measurable acidic properties.

Beryllium oxide ( $\text{BeO}$) and many of the metallic oxides of Group 3A and 4A are amphoteric

To Write: The formulas and names of the oxides of the second period elements