The reactivity of three oxides mixed in H₂O, HCl, and NaOH is shown in the table. All experiments were performed at 25 °C. Based on the data, which statement best describes how SO₂ compares to MgO?

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11ecba2d_1203_1853_a3bf_4ddc57323f8c_MD0008_00 Oxides are binary compounds consisting of oxygen bound with only one other element. They can be classified as acidic, basic, or neutral, depending on their reactions with water, acids, and bases. Acidic oxides react with water to form acidic compounds that produce a solution pH < 7. Acidic oxides also react with bases to form salts. In contrast, basic oxides react with water to form basic compounds that yield a solution pH > 7, and basic oxides form salts by reacting with acids. Neutral oxides are unreactive toward water, acids, and bases. Evaluation of the given data is required to form a conclusion about the compounds. The table shows that SO₂ forms an acidic aqueous solution (pH < 7) and that it reacts with NaOH (a base) to form a salt (similar to an acid-base neutralization). As such, SO₂ exhibits acidic properties. Conversely, MgO forms a basic aqueous solution (pH > 7) and reacts with HCl (an acid) to form a salt, so MgO exhibits basic properties. Therefore, SO₂ is an acidic oxide, whereas MgO is a basic oxide. (Choices A and B) SO₂ and MgO form aqueous solutions with pH values that are on opposite sides of the pH scale relative to pH 7 (a neutral solution). SO₂ and MgO also exhibit the opposite reactivity toward HCl and NaOH. SO₂ and MgO cannot both be the same type of oxide. (Choice C) SO₂ exhibits acidic properties (aqueous solution pH < 7 and reacts with NaOH), whereas MgO exhibits basic properties (aqueous solution pH > 7 and reacts with HCl). Educational objective: Compounds that react with bases and produce solutions with pH < 7 can be classified as acidic, whereas compounds that react with acids and form solutions with pH > 7 can be classified as basic.

The Reactivity of Three Oxides Mixed in H2O, HCl, and NaOH

The Reactivity of Three Oxides Mixed in H₂O, HCl, and NaOH