Question

Does the reaction of a main-group metal oxide in water produce an acidic solution or a basic solution? Write a balanced equation for the reaction of a Group 2A(2) oxide with water.

Answer 1

Answer: The main group metal produce a basic solution in water and the reaction is $MO+H_2O\rightarrow M(OH)_2$

Explanation:

Main group elements are the elements that are present in s-block and p-block.

The metals that are the main group elements are located in Group IA, Group II A and Group III A.

Oxides are formed when a metal or a non-metal reacts with oxygen molecule. There are two types of oxides which are formed: Acidic oxides and basic oxides.

• Acidic oxides are formed by the non-metals.
• Basic oxides are formed by the metals.

When a metal oxide is reacted with water, it leads to the formation of a base.

The general formula of the oxide formed by Group II-A metals is 'MO'

The chemical equation for the reaction of metal oxide of Group II-A and water follows:

$MO+H_2O\rightarrow M(OH)_2$

Hence, the main group metal produce a basic solution in water and the reaction is $MO+H_2O\rightarrow M(OH)_2$