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Chemistry of the P-Block

Amphoteric behaviour of aluminium and lead

  • 3 things to know
  • Component 1

Overview

Recall questions on what amphoteric means, the reactions of aluminium and lead oxides and hydroxides with both acid and alkali, the equations and the ions formed, why these two behave differently from a Group 2 oxide, and the practical consequences of the behaviour.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

Write the equation for the reaction of aluminium oxide with dilute hydrochloric acid.

Key term

Write the equation for the reaction of aluminium oxide with aqueous sodium hydroxide.

Key term

Describe what is seen when aqueous sodium hydroxide is added drop by drop, and then in excess, to a solution of aluminium ions.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What does it mean to say a substance is amphoteric?

    Model answer

    An amphoteric substance reacts with both acids and bases, behaving as a base towards an acid and as an acid towards an alkali.

  2. 2

    Write the equation for the reaction of aluminium oxide with dilute hydrochloric acid.

    Model answer

    Al₂O₃(s) + 6H⁺(aq) → 2Al³⁺(aq) + 3H₂O(l).

  3. 3

    Write the equation for the reaction of aluminium oxide with aqueous sodium hydroxide.

    Model answer

    Al₂O₃(s) + 2OH⁻(aq) + 3H₂O(l) → 2[Al(OH)₄]⁻(aq).

  4. 4

    Describe what is seen when aqueous sodium hydroxide is added drop by drop, and then in excess, to a solution of aluminium ions.

    Model answer

    A white precipitate of aluminium hydroxide forms first and then dissolves in excess alkali to give a colourless solution.

  5. 5

    Write the equation for aluminium hydroxide dissolving in excess sodium hydroxide.

    Model answer

    Al(OH)₃(s) + OH⁻(aq) → [Al(OH)₄]⁻(aq).

  6. 6

    Write the equation for the reaction of aluminium hydroxide with dilute acid.

    Model answer

    Al(OH)₃(s) + 3H⁺(aq) → Al³⁺(aq) + 3H₂O(l).

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