Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides (A-level) Flashcards
What is the reaction of Na with cold water?
2NA(s) + 2H20(l) –> 2NaOH (aq) + H2(g)
Reaction of Magnesium with water
Mg(s) + 2H2O(l) —> Mg(OH)2(s) + H2(g)
Reaction of Magnesium with steam
Mg(s) + H20 —> MgO(s) + H2(g)
Describe the reactions of elements in Period 3 (up to sulphur) with oxygen
Na - burns with yellow flame to produce a white solid
Mg, Al, Si and P - burn with white flame + white solid smoke
S - burns with Blue flame to form acidic choking gas
Equation: Na with oxygen
4Na + O2 —> 2 Na2O
Equation: Mg + O2
2Mg + O2 –> 2MgO
Equation: Al + O2
4AL + 3O2 –> 2Al2O3
Equation: Si + O
Si + O2 –> SiO2
Equation: P + O2
4P + 5O2 —> P4O10
Equation: S + O2
S(s) + O2 —> SO2(g)
How can we stop elements such as sodium and phosphorus from coming into contact and reacting with air?
Storing under oil and phosphorus under water
Describe the trend in melting points from Na-S
Ionic oxides - Na2O, MgO, Al2O3
- high melting points.
- ionic giant lattice structures:
-strong forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions : higher mp.
- increased charge on the cation makes the ionic
forces stronger going from Na to Al so increased melting points.
Macromolecular oxides - SiO2
- macromolecular:
- many very strong covalent bonds between atoms.
- High energy needed to break the many strong covalent bonds – very high mp
Simple molecular oxides: P4O10 (s), SO2 (g)
- weak intermolecular forces between molecules
(van der waals + permanent dipoles)
- lower mp’s.
- P4O10 is a bigger molecule and has more electrons than SO2 it will have larger van der waals forces between molecules and a higher melting point.
Why do ionic oxides react with water?
They accept H+ ions to become OH- ions acting as a Bronsdted-lowry base
Reaction + PH: sodium oxide with water
Na2O (s) + H2O (l) –> 2NaOH(aq)
pH 13
vigorous exothermic reaction
Will Na20 react with acids or alkalis, depending on which what is it’s nature?
Acids
Acid + Alkali –> Salt + H20
Na20 –> BASIC