Question

What type of oxide would Eka aluminium form?

• A. ${\mathrm{EO}}_3$
• B. ${\mathrm{E}}_3{\mathrm{O}}_2$
• C. ${\mathrm{E}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3$
• D. $\mathrm{EO}$

Answer 1

The correct option is C

${\mathrm{E}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3$

Explanation for the correct option:

(C) ${\mathrm{E}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3$

• Aluminium ($\mathrm{Al}$) has a valency $3$ and has $+3$ oxidation state.
• It forms ${\mathrm{Al}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3$.
• Eka aluminium is Gallium ($\mathrm{Ga}$). It lies in the same group as Aluminium and its valency is also $+3$.
• Therefore, it will also form ${\mathrm{E}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3$ type of oxide.

Explanation for the incorrect options:

(A) ${\mathrm{EO}}_3$

• The charge on oxygen is $-2$ and that of Eka aluminium is $+3$.
• Therefore, $2$ must be the subscript of $\mathrm{E}$.
• Thus, ${\mathrm{EO}}_3$ type of oxide cannot be formed.

(B) ${\mathrm{E}}_3{\mathrm{O}}_2$

• The charge on oxygen is $-2$ and that of Eka aluminium is $+3$.
• Therefore, $2$ must be the subscript of $\mathrm{E}$ and $3$ must be the subscript of $\mathrm{O}$.
• Thus, ${\mathrm{E}}_3{\mathrm{O}}_2$ type of oxide cannot be formed.

(D) $\mathrm{EO}$

• The charge on oxygen is $-2$ and that of Eka aluminium is $+3$.
• Therefore, $2$ must be the subscript of $\mathrm{E}$ and $3$ must be the subscript of $\mathrm{O}$.
• Thus, $\mathrm{EO}$ type of oxide cannot be formed.

Hence, option (C) is correct. Eka aluminium would form ${\mathrm{E}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3$.