Answer & Solution
Answer: Option
A
Solution:
We're talking about oxides, which are compounds of elements with oxygen.
Group III and IV are talking about specific columns of the periodic table.
What does "basic" and "acidic" mean?
* Basic oxides react with acids. They often form metal oxides. Think of them as the opposite of acids.
* Acidic oxides react with bases. They often form non-metal oxides.
* Neutral oxides don't readily react with acids or bases.
Group III and IV Oxides:
The properties of oxides often change as you move across the periodic table. Think about that these groups contains metals, non metals and metalloids, so there is variety of elements present.
Generally:
* Group III oxides tend to be more on the basic side, but their properties can vary. Boron oxide (B₂O₃), for instance, is weakly acidic.
* Group IV oxides show a wider range. Silicon dioxide (SiO₂), which is found in sand, is weakly acidic. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is acidic. However, some oxides like lead oxide can show both acidic and basic (amphoteric) properties.
So, what's the usual behavior?
Because Group III oxides can be basic (although there are exceptions) and Group IV oxides can be acidic (though again, there are exceptions and amphoteric nature), the best overall answer is that they can be both basic and acidic.
