Question detail
What is the acid-base behavior of Al2O3 in water?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides (A-level only)
Question
- A. Amphoteric
- B. Strong acid
- C. Strong base
- D. Neutral
Answer
Amphoteric
Explanation
The correct option is Amphoteric. Amphoteric is the best answer because it directly supports the AQA A-Level Chemistry objective to describe the bonding and structure of Period 3 oxides. This reasoning is anchored to Period 3 oxides (A-level only) in Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides (A-level only), and it separates Period 3 oxide from similar A-Level ideas rather than relying on a vague recall statement. Other options are weaker if they use the wrong evidence, calculation, mechanism, observation, unit, or conclusion for this subtopic.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Bonding Types
Students often confuse ionic bonding with covalent bonding when describing the bonding in Period 3 oxides, such as Na2O and SiO2.
Remember that ionic bonding involves the transfer of electrons and formation of charged ions, while covalent bonding involves sharing electron pairs between atoms. For example, Na2O has ionic bonds between Na+ and O2-, while SiO2 has covalent bonds between Si and O. Keep the correction anchored to Period 3 oxides (A-level only) and the objective: Describe the bonding and structure of Period 3 oxides.
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