An element reacts with oxygen to form an oxide which dissolves in dilute Hydrochloric acid. The oxide also turns a solution of red litmus blue. Is the element a metal or a nonmetal? Explain it with the help of a suitable example.

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Solution

1. Metals and nonmetals
Metals and nonmetals are generally electropositive and electronegative in nature, respectively. When metals react with oxygen, a metal oxide is formed. Metal oxides are always basic in nature. On the other hand, when nonmetals react with oxygen, they form acidic or neutral oxides.
2. Nature of element
The oxide formed is dissolved in Hydrochloric acid and then the oxide turns red litmus blue, which means the oxide is basic in nature. The basic oxides are always formed by a metal. Therefore, the element is a metal.
3. Example
Magnesium (Mg) reacts with oxygen $(O_{2})$ to form Magnesium oxide (MgO). When Magnesium oxide (MgO) is tested, it turns red litmus blue. This confirms that metal oxides are basic in nature.

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