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Reviewed CSCA Chemistry question · Easy

Which of the following oxides, when dissolved in water, will produce a solution with a pH greater than 7?

  1. SO2
  2. CO2
  3. Na2O
  4. P2O5
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer

C. Na2O

Principle or equation

Metal oxides are basic oxides; they react with water to form bases, producing basic solutions (pH > 7). Non-metal oxides are acidic oxides; they form acids in water, producing acidic solutions (pH < 7).

Why this answer is correct

Na2O is a metal oxide. It reacts with water to form sodium hydroxide, a strong base, so the solution is basic (pH > 7). SO2, CO2, and P2O5 are non-metal oxides that produce acidic solutions.

Example

Na2O(s) + H2O(l) → 2NaOH(aq). The resulting solution has a pH greater than 7.

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