BRAINCAKEAcid-Base Character of Period 3 Oxides
Across Period 3 the oxides change from basic, through amphoteric, to acidic. This follows the change in bonding from ionic to covalent.
Basic oxides: Na2O and MgO. These are ionic and contain the oxide ion, O2−. The oxide ion is a proton acceptor (a base), so these oxides react with acids to form a salt and water, and they give alkaline solutions in water.
Amphoteric oxide: Al2O3. Aluminium oxide is ionic with some covalent character, and it reacts with both acids and bases. It is insoluble in water, so it does not change the pH.
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Key terms in this lesson
- amphoteric
- Able to react as both an acid and a base, for example by dissolving in both acids and alkalis.
More in Period 3 Elements and Oxides
- Reactions of Sodium and Magnesium with Water
- Reactions of Period 3 Elements with Oxygen
- Period 3 Oxides
- Melting Points of Period 3 Oxides
- Reactions of Period 3 Oxides with Water
- pH of Period 3 Oxide Solutions
- Amphoteric Aluminium Oxide
- Equations for Period 3 Oxides with Acids and Bases
All 10 lessons in Period 3 Elements and Oxides · All AQA A-level Chemistry topics