Question

Which of the following elements will form an acidic oxide?

• A. An element with atomic number $12$
• B. An element with atomic number $3$
• C. An element with atomic number $7$
• D. An element with the atomic number $19$

Answer 1

The correct option is C

An element with atomic number $7$

Explanation for the correct option:

(c) An element with an atomic number $7$

• The element with atomic number $7$ has electron configuration $2,5$
• It means it may gain three electrons and is electronegative.
• It should be a nonmetal, as nonmetals gain electrons
• As non-metals produce acidic oxide
• Hence this option is correct

Explanation for the incorrect options:

(a) An element with an atomic number $12$

• The element with atomic number $12$ has the electron configuration $2,8,2$
• It means it may lose two electrons and is electropositive.
• It should be a metal, as metals lose electrons
• As metals produce basic oxide
• Thus, this option is incorrect.

(b) An element with an atomic number $3$

• The element with atomic number $3$ has the electron configuration $2,1$
• It means it may lose one electron and is electropositive.
• It should be a metal, as metals lose electrons
• As metals produce basic oxide
• Thus, this option is incorrect.

(d) An element with the atomic number $19$

• The element with atomic number $19$ has the electron configuration $2,8,8,1$
• It means it may lose one electron and is electropositive.
• It should be a metal, as metals lose electrons
• As metals produce basic oxide
• Thus, this option is incorrect.

Hence the correct option is (c ) An element with an atomic number