BRAINCAKEPeriod 3 Oxides
The oxides formed by the Period 3 elements are Na2O, MgO, Al2O3, SiO2, P4O10, SO2 and SO3. Their bonding and structure change across the period in the same way as the elements do.
Giant ionic lattices: Na2O, MgO and Al2O3. The metal ions and oxide ions (O2−) are held in a lattice by strong electrostatic attraction. Aluminium oxide is ionic but has some covalent character: the small, highly charged Al3+ ion polarises (distorts) the electron cloud of the oxide ion.
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Key terms in this lesson
- macromolecular
- Describes a giant covalent structure in which atoms are joined throughout by strong covalent bonds, such as in silicon dioxide.
- polarisation
- The distortion of the electron cloud of a negative ion caused by the attraction of a nearby positive ion, giving the bond some covalent character.
More in Period 3 Elements and Oxides
- Period 3 Elements
- Reactions of Sodium and Magnesium with Water
- Reactions of Period 3 Elements with Oxygen
- Melting Points of Period 3 Oxides
- Reactions of Period 3 Oxides with Water
- pH of Period 3 Oxide Solutions
- Acid-Base Character of Period 3 Oxides
- Amphoteric Aluminium Oxide
All 10 lessons in Period 3 Elements and Oxides · All AQA A-level Chemistry topics