Question

Which of these elements of the 2nd period forms the strongest acidic oxide?

• A. Boron
• B. Carbon
• C. Nitrogen
• D. Fluorine

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Fluorine

Explanation for correct option:

D. Fluorine

Non-metallic oxide:

• Non-metallic oxides are formed when a non-metal reacts with oxygen gas.
• A non-metallic oxide is acidic in nature.
• General reaction for the formation of non-metallic oxide:

$\mathrm{Non}-\mathrm{metal}+\mathrm{Oxygen}\to \mathrm{Non}-\mathrm{metallic}\mathrm{oxide}$

Example of a non-metallic oxide:

• Carbon dioxide is a non-metallic oxide.
• The chemical reaction for the formation of carbon dioxide is depicted below:

$\mathrm{C}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)+{\mathrm{O}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)\to {\mathrm{CO}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)$

Fluorine forms the strongest non-metallic or acidic oxide in the second period.

Explanation for incorrect option:

The acidity of the oxides increases along the period. thus in the second period, out of Boron, Carbon, Nitrogen, and Flourine. Fluorine forms the strongest non-metallic or acidic oxide. Thus options A, B, and C are incorrect.

Hence, the correct option is D i.e. Fluorine.