Chapter 8, Problem 8.74P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Whether the reaction of a main group metal oxide in water produces an acidic or a basic solution is to be determined. Also, the balanced equation for the reaction of a group $2\text{A}\left(2\right)$ oxide with water is to be written.

Concept introduction:

Metal oxides are the chemical compounds formed between metals and oxygen. These oxides generally contain an oxide ion of $-\text{2}$ charge. These oxides are usually basic in nature and exist in a solid state.

Metal oxides are basic in nature because when they react with water to form the corresponding hydroxides which are basic in nature due to their tendency to lose ${\text{OH}}^{-}$ ions in solution.