Question

A metal 'X' which is used in thermite process , when heated with oxygen gives an oxide 'Y' which is amphoteric in nature . identify X and Y . write down balanced chemical equation of the reaction of oxide Y with HCl and NaOH.

Answer 1

Metal X is aluminium and oxide Y is aluminium oxide as only aluminium is used in thermite reaction for welding etc...and when aluminium is reacted with oxygen it forms aluminium oxide.

Answer 2

Metal ‘X’ is Aluminium (Al) which is used in thermite process.

Al reacts with oxygen to form aluminium oxide, Al2O3 (Y), which is amphoteric in nature.

                    4Al + 3O2---------------2Al2O3

The balanced chemical equation of the reaction of oxide Y with HCl is-  

Al2O3 + 6 HCl------------2AlCl3 + 3H2O

The balanced chemical equation of the reaction of oxide Y with NaOH is-  

Al2O3 + 2 NaOH-----------2NaAlO2 +H2O