Question

Categorise the following based on their nature: \( ZnO, Na_2O, CO_2 \)

Hint:

Non-metal oxides + water \( \rightarrow \) Acid; Metal oxides + water \( \rightarrow \) Base. This simple rule helps categorize most oxides.

Answer 1

Categorisation of Given Oxides Based on Their Nature:

Oxides can be classified as acidic, basic, or amphoteric depending on how they react with acids and bases.

1. Zinc Oxide (ZnO)
Nature: Amphoteric Oxide
Reason:
Zinc oxide reacts with both acids and bases. Reaction with acid: \[ ZnO + 2HCl \rightarrow ZnCl_2 + H_2O \] Reaction with base: \[ ZnO + 2NaOH \rightarrow Na_2ZnO_2 + H_2O \] Since it reacts with both acids and bases, ZnO is an amphoteric oxide.

2. Sodium Oxide (Na_2O)
Nature: Basic Oxide
Reason:
Sodium oxide reacts with water to form a base (alkali). \[ Na_2O + H_2O \rightarrow 2NaOH \] It also reacts with acids to form salt and water. Therefore, Na₂O is a basic oxide.

3. Carbon Dioxide (CO_2)
Nature: Acidic Oxide
Reason:
Carbon dioxide reacts with water to form carbonic acid. \[ CO_2 + H_2O \rightarrow H_2CO_3 \] It also reacts with bases to form salts. Therefore, CO₂ is an acidic oxide.

Final Classification: \[ \boxed{ZnO \rightarrow \text{Amphoteric Oxide}} \] \[ \boxed{Na_2O \rightarrow \text{Basic Oxide}} \] \[ \boxed{CO_2 \rightarrow \text{Acidic Oxide}} \]