Question detail

Which of the following Period 3 oxides is amphoteric?

Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.

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At a glance

MCQ

Type

practice

Style

Topic

Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides (A-level only)

Question

A. Al2O3
B. Na2O
C. MgO
D. SiO2

Answer

Al2O3

Explanation

The correct option is Al2O3. Al2O3 is the best answer because it directly supports the AQA A-Level Chemistry objective to explain acid-base behaviour 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 Acid-Base Behavior

Students often confuse the acid-base behavior of Period 3 oxides, thinking all oxides are either acidic or basic without considering their specific properties.

To correct this, students should study the specific oxides of Period 3, such as Na2O (basic), MgO (basic), Al2O3 (amphoteric), SiO2 (neutral), P4O10 (acidic), SO3 (acidic), and understand how their bonding and structure influence their acid-base behavior. Keep the correction anchored to Period 3 oxides (A-level only) and the objective: Explain acid-base behaviour of Period 3 oxides.

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