IB Chemistry SL 3.1.5 Metal Non Metal Continuum Questions

Use real exam questions to classify oxides and write the water reactions that reveal the metal-to-non-metal continuum.

Exam points

Deduce and write balanced equations for reactions of Group 1, Group 2, carbon or sulfur oxides with water, including the resulting aqueous species.
Classify oxides along the metal-to-non-metal continuum as basic, amphoteric or acidic and justify the classification using pH or acid-base behaviour.
Predict and compare oxide behaviour in water, including pH, conductivity or amphoteric response, using the element’s position and the stated oxide formula.

[Maximum number: 3]

Periodic trends enable chemists to predict the behaviour of related compounds.

(a)

$\quad \mathrm{Na}_{2} \mathrm{O}$ and $\mathrm{SO}_{3}$ are two oxides of period 3 elements.

[ 3 ]

(i)

State the acid-base natures of $\mathrm{Na}_{2} \mathrm{O}$ and $\mathrm{SO}_{3}$ .

[ 1 ]

$\quad \mathrm{Na}_{2} \mathrm{O}$ basic and $\mathrm{SO}_{3}$ acidic;

Marking guidance:

Ignore state symbols.

(ii)

State equations for the reactions of $\mathrm{Na}_{2} \mathrm{O}$ and $\mathrm{SO}_{3}$ with water.

[ 2 ]

$\ce{Na2O}$ + $\ce{H2O}$ -> 2 $\ce{NaOH}$ ; $\ce{SO3}$ + $\ce{H2O}$ -> $\ce{H2SO4}$ . State symbols may be ignored.

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