The oxide of metal ‘X’ reacts with both hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide. What is X?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

AP Police Constable (Prelims) Official Paper (Held On: 22 Jan 2023)

Answer 1

The correct answer is Al (Aluminium).

Key Points

Aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) is an amphoteric oxide, meaning it reacts with both acids and bases.
When Aluminium oxide reacts with hydrochloric acid (HCl), it forms Aluminium chloride (AlCl₃) and water.
When Aluminium oxide reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), it forms sodium aluminate (NaAlO₂) and water.
This dual property of Aluminium oxide makes Aluminium (Al) the correct answer.

Important Points

An amphoteric oxide is an oxide that reacts with both acids and bases to form salt and water.
Aluminium oxide is a good example of an amphoteric oxide, as it reacts with acids like HCl and bases like NaOH.

Additional Information

Na (Sodium): Sodium forms sodium oxide (Na₂O), which is a basic oxide. It does not react with bases like NaOH but reacts with acids to form salts.
Mg (Magnesium): Magnesium forms magnesium oxide (MgO), which is a basic oxide. It reacts with acids.
K (Potassium): Potassium forms potassium oxide (K₂O), which is a highly basic oxide. It reacts only with acids.