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The Periodic Table

Basic character of the Group 1 and Group 2 oxides and hydroxides

  • 3 things to know
  • Components 1 and 2

Overview

Recall questions on the reactions of these oxides and hydroxides with water and with acids, the trend in basic character down each group, the pH of the resulting solutions, the equations, and their practical uses in neutralising acidity.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

Write the equation for sodium oxide reacting with water.

Key term

Write the equation for calcium oxide reacting with water and describe what is seen.

Key term

Write the ionic equation for the reaction of the oxide ion with water.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Why are the oxides of Group 1 and Group 2 metals basic?

    Model answer

    They are ionic and contain the oxide ion, which is a powerful proton acceptor and reacts readily with water or with an acid.

  2. 2

    Write the equation for sodium oxide reacting with water.

    Model answer

    The equation is Na₂O(s) + H₂O(l) → 2NaOH(aq).

  3. 3

    Write the equation for calcium oxide reacting with water and describe what is seen.

    Model answer

    The equation is CaO(s) + H₂O(l) → Ca(OH)₂(s), and the reaction is so exothermic that the solid cracks apart and steam is given off.

  4. 4

    Write the ionic equation for the reaction of the oxide ion with water.

    Model answer

    The ionic equation is O²⁻(s) + H₂O(l) → 2OH⁻(aq).

  5. 5

    What pH results when a Group 1 oxide is added to water?

    Model answer

    The solution becomes strongly alkaline, around pH 13 or 14, because the hydroxide formed is both fully soluble and fully dissociated.

  6. 6

    Why do the Group 2 oxides generally give less alkaline solutions than the Group 1 oxides?

    Model answer

    Their hydroxides are much less soluble, so far fewer hydroxide ions actually enter the solution.

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