Question detail
What is the reaction of sodium oxide (Na2O) with water, and what type of solution does it produce?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
Question
Type
exam_style
Style
Topic
Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides (A-level only)
Question
What is the reaction of sodium oxide (Na2O) with water, and what type of solution does it produce?
Answer
Sodium oxide reacts with water to form sodium hydroxide (NaOH), which is an alkaline solution. This answer is anchored to Period 3 oxides (A-level only).
Explanation
Sodium oxide reacts with water to form sodium hydroxide (NaOH), which is an alkaline solution. is the best answer because it directly supports the AQA A-Level Chemistry objective to explain reactions of Period 3 oxides with water. 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
Incorrect Reaction Type
Students often confuse the reactions of Period 3 oxides with water as only acid-base reactions, neglecting to mention the formation of acids or bases.
Clearly state the type of reaction occurring, such as 'When sodium oxide reacts with water, it forms sodium hydroxide, a strong base, while silicon dioxide reacts with water to form a weak acid, silicic acid.'. Keep the correction anchored to Period 3 oxides (A-level only) and the objective: Explain reactions of Period 3 oxides with water.
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