Question

In which of the following, oxides of three elements X, Y, and Z are arranged in increasing order of acidic nature? Their electronic configurations are:
X: $[Ne] 3s^2 3p^1$, \quad Y: $[Ne] 3s^2 3p^3$, \quad Z: $[Ne] 3s^2$

• A. \( X<Y<Z \)
• B. \( Y<Z<X \)
• C. \( Z<X<Y \)
• D. \( X<Z<Y \)

Hint:

Acidic character of oxides increases across a period. Group 2 oxides are basic, Group 13 amphoteric, and Group 15 acidic.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Electronic configuration analysis: - Z: \([Ne] 3s^2\) → Group 2 (e.g., Mg) → Basic oxide
- X: \([Ne] 3s^2 3p^1\) → Group 13 (e.g., Al) → Amphoteric
- Y: \([Ne] 3s^2 3p^3\) → Group 15 (e.g., P) → Acidic
Trend of acidic character of oxides: \[ \text{Basic (Z)}<\text{Amphoteric (X)}<\text{Acidic (Y)} \Rightarrow Z<X<Y \]