Question

Two elements X and Y are reacted with oxygen to form their respective oxides. They are then dissolved in water. Element X forms a hydroxide which is basic in nature. Element Y forms an acid. What can element X and Y be classified as?

Answer 1

X can be classified as metal and Y can be classified as non metal.

• Metal oxides on reaction with water yield bases with hydroxide ions. This makes the resultant solution basic.
• Non metal oxides on reaction with water yield acids with hydronium ions. This results in acidic solution.
• On reaction with base, non metal oxides form salt and water.
• Similarly, on reaction with acid, metal oxides form salt and water.