Period 3 and Redox Equilibria Flashcards
What are the period 3 elements?
Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, Ar
Why is sodium more reactive than magnesium?
Because it only needs to lose 1 electron against magnesium’s two - removal of fewer electrons takes less energy.
What is the reaction between sodium and water? What is observed when this reaction occurs?
2Na(s) + 2H2O(l) —-> 2NaOH(aq) + H2(g)
The sodium appears to be a molten ball, and effervescence.
What is the reaction between Mg and water? What are the characteristics of this reaction?
Mg(s)+ 2H2O(l) —-> Mg(OH)2(aq) + H2(g)
This is a slow reaction - it is faster with steam.
Why is NaOH solution more basic than Mg(OH)2 solution?
Because NaOH dissociates more easily than Mg(OH)2 i.e. Mg(OH)2 is less soluble.
What is the general reaction between a period 3 element and oxygen?
Element + Oxygen —-> Oxide
What oxide formation reactions for period 3 elements are described as vigorous?
Those forming Na2O and MgO
What period 3 element reacts ‘steadily’ with oxygen?
Sulphur.
What period 3 elements react slowly with oxygen?
Aluminium and Silicon.
What period 3 element spontaneously combusts in oxygen and what oxide does it form?
Phosphorous, P - it forms P4O10
What colour is sodium’s flame?
Yellow
What colour are Magnesium and Phosphorous’ flames?
Brilliant white.
What colour is sulphur’s flame?
Blue
Why is it that Na2O, MgO and Al2O3 all have high melting points?
They all have giant ionic lattices in which there are strong electrostatic attractive forces between oppositely charged ions, attractions which require lots of heat energy to break.
In what order are the melting points of Na2O, Al2O3 and MgO?
MgO has the highest melting point, then Al2O3, then Na2O.
Why is it that Al2O3’s melting point is lower than MgO’s?
Because Al2O3’s ionic bonds have covalent character, whereas MgO’s do not. This is because Al3+ distorts the O2- electron cloud, withdrawing electron density from it.
In what order are the melting points of the period 3 oxides?
MgO is highest - ionic lattice
Al2O3 - ionic lattice
SiO2- macromolecular
Na2O - ionic lattice
P4O10- simple molecular
SO2 - simple molecular
Which oxides are acidic and which oxides are basic?
Purely ionic oxide solutions are basic - MgO and NaOH (ph 9 and 13 respectively)
Covalent oxides are acidic in solution - H3PO4, H2SO4, H2SO3
Silicon dioxide is insoluble but reacts with bases.
Al2O3 is amphoteric and insoluble.
What is formed when an acid and base react?
The salt of the acid and water.
What is the reaction between Al2O3 and NaOH?
Al2O3 + 2NaOH —-> 3H2O + 2NaAl(OH)4
What is the reaction between SiO2 and NaOH?
SiO2 + 2NaOH —-> Na2SiO3 + H2O
What is the reaction between P4O10 and NaOH?
P4O10 + 12NaOH —-> 4Na3PO4 + 6H2O