Question

Which of the following oxides is acidic in nature?

• A. \( GeO_2 \)
• B. \( CO \)
• C. \( PbO_2 \)
• D. \( SnO \)

Hint:

- Acidic oxides are generally formed by nonmetals or metalloids in higher oxidation states. - Amphoteric oxides exhibit both acidic and basic behavior. - Neutral oxides do not react with acids or bases (e.g., CO, NO).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To determine which of the given oxides is acidic in nature, we need to consider the chemical properties of each element's oxide. Elements typically form different types of oxides (acidic, basic, amphoteric, or neutral), depending on their position in the periodic table and their oxidation states. Here's a breakdown of each option:

• \(GeO_2\): Germanium dioxide is an acidic oxide. It reacts with bases and dissolves in water to form germanic acid, \(H_2GeO_3\).
• \(CO\): Carbon monoxide is a neutral oxide. It does not exhibit acidic or basic properties.
• \(PbO_2\): Lead dioxide can act as an oxidizing agent and is generally amphoteric, meaning it can exhibit both acidic and basic properties. However, it is less acidic compared to \(GeO_2\).
• \(SnO\): Tin(II) oxide is primarily a basic oxide. It does not exhibit significant acidic behavior.

Among these, \(GeO_2\) is the correct answer as it exhibits acidic properties by forming germanic acid in water.

Answer 2

\(GeO_2\) (Germanium dioxide) is acidic in nature.

Oxides of metalloids, like germanium, tend to be amphoteric or weakly acidic. As you move across the periodic table from left to right, the metallic character decreases, and the nonmetallic character increases. Elements with higher nonmetallic character tend to form acidic oxides. While germanium is a metalloid, it's on the right side of the metalloid region, so its oxide exhibits acidic properties.