Question

17. a) An element X on reacting with oxygen forms an oxide X20. This oxide dissolves in
water and turns red litmus blue. State whether element X is a metal or a non-metal.
Explain
2​

Answer 1

The oxide turns red litmus to blue. Thus, it is a base.

We know that metals form acidic oxides and non-metals form basic oxides.

Thus, this substance must be a non-metal in order to form a basic oxide.

Answer 2

Answer:

It's a metal.

Step-by-step explanation:

x is a metal like Na or K.

let Na combines with oxygen, forms sodium oxide (Na2O) and it can dissolves in water and forms an alkali, sodium hydroxide (NaOH).

In sodium hydroxide, red litmus turns blue.

2Na+o2=Na20

Na20+H2O=2NaO.