Question

Which of the following elements produces basic oxide on reacting with oxygen?

• A. Chlorine
• B. Sulphur
• C. Phosphorus
• D. Magnesium

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Magnesium

D

• Nonmetals undergo reactions with Oxygen molecule $\left(O_2\right)$ to form acidic oxides while metals react with Oxygen molecule $\left(O_2\right)$to form basic oxides.
• Magnesium $\left(Mg\right)$ is a metal and therefore, it reacts with Oxygen molecule to form basic Magnesium oxide $\left(MgO\right)$.

$2Mg\left(s\right)+O_2\left(g\right)\to 2MgO\left(s\right)$

A

Chlorine $\left(Cl\right)$ is a nonmetal and therefore Chlorine molecule $\left(C{l}_2\right)$ reacts with the Oxygen molecule to form acidic Chlorine dioxide $\left(Cl{O}_2\right)$. Hence, the given option is incorrect.

$C{l}_2\left(g\right)+2O_2\left(g\right)\to 2Cl{O}_2\left(g\right)$

B

Sulfur $\left(S\right)$ is a nonmetal and therefore it reacts with the Oxygen molecule to form acidic Sulfur dioxide$\left(S{O}_2\right)$. Hence, the given option is incorrect.

$S\left(s\right)+O_2\left(g\right)\to S{O}_2\left(s\right)$

C

Phosphorus $\left(P\right)$ is a nonmetal and therefore it reacts with the Oxygen molecule to form acidic Phosphorus pentoxide $\left(P_4{O}_{10}\right)$. Hence, the given option is incorrect.

$4P\left(s\right)+5O_2\left(g\right)\to P_4{O}_{10}\left(s\right)$

Hence, option D is correct. Magnesium forms basic oxide when it reacts with the Oxygen molecule$\left(O_2\right)$.