Question

Will the following oxides give acidic, basic, or neutral solutions when dissolved in water? Write reactions to justify your answers. a. \(\mathrm{Li}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) b. \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) c. \(\mathrm{SrO}\)

Short answer

a. Li₂O + H₂O ⟶ 2 LiOH; forms a basic solution (LiOH is a strong alkali). b. CO₂ + H₂O ⟶ H₂CO₃; forms an acidic solution (H₂CO₃ is a weak acid). c. SrO + H₂O ⟶ Sr(OH)₂; forms a basic solution (Sr(OH)₂ is a strong alkali).

Step-by-step solution

Reaction of Li₂O with water

First, we will write the balanced reaction for lithium oxide (Li₂O) dissolving in water (H₂O). Li₂O + H₂O ⟶ 2 LiOH The resulting product is lithium hydroxide (LiOH), which is a strong alkali. Since the solution contains a hydroxide ion (OH⁻), it will be a basic solution.

Reaction of CO₂ with water

Next, we will write the balanced reaction for carbon dioxide (CO₂) dissolving in water (H₂O). CO₂ + H₂O ⟶ H₂CO₃ The resulting product is carbonic acid (H₂CO₃), which is a weak acid. Since the solution contains an acidic component (H+), it will be an acidic solution.

Reaction of SrO with water

Finally, we will write the balanced reaction for strontium oxide (SrO) dissolving in water (H₂O). SrO + H₂O ⟶ Sr(OH)₂ The resulting product is strontium hydroxide (Sr(OH)₂), which is a strong alkali. Since the solution contains a hydroxide ion (OH⁻), it will be a basic solution. In conclusion: a. Lithium oxide (Li₂O) forms a basic solution when dissolved in water. b. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) forms an acidic solution when dissolved in water. c. Strontium oxide (SrO) forms a basic solution when dissolved in water.