Question

An element X is forming acidic oxide. Its most probable position in the modern periodic table is:

• A. Group 1 and Period 3
• B. Group 16 and Period 3
• C. Group 17 and Period 3
• D. Group 2 and Period 3

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Group 17 and Period 3

The explanation for the correct option:

(C) Group 17 and Period 3

Acidic oxides are formed by the oxides of non-metals.

• This gives a hint that the element is a non-metal and it must be present on the right side of the periodic table.
• Further, acidic nature of the oxides of elements increases across a period.
• This means that the element at the rightmost position in a period will have the most acidic oxide.
• The halogens are the elements that form group 17 of the periodic table. They are reactive non-metals and include fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine.
• Halogens are highly reactive non-metals. These elements greatly resemble each other in property with each other.

The explanation for the incorrect options:

(A) Group 1 of all the periods consists of elements that are metals. Metals form basic oxides.
(B) Group 16 consists of elements that are non-metals and they form basic oxides but the the strength of acidic oxides increases from group-16 to group-17.
(D) Group-2 also forms basic oxides as group 2 consists of alkaline earth metals.
Hence, option (C) is correct.