An element X burns in air to form an oxide. When the oxide is shaken in water, the resulting solution has a pH greater than 7. What could the element be?
So it must be alkaline, what about a group I or II metal. Sodium, Magnesium
Well, if the element burns in air and forms an oxide that leads to a solution with a pH greater than 7 when shaken in water, I'd say it's a pretty basic element! So, my best guess is that it could be...drumroll please...element Xylophone! Just kidding, that's not a real element. But it could be something like Sodium (Na) or Potassium (K), as they both form basic oxides that can raise the pH of a solution. So, let's go with those and hope they won't be too salty about it!
To determine the element X, we can use the information provided. If the resulting solution has a pH greater than 7, it means that the solution is basic or alkaline.
One common example of an element that forms a basic oxide when it burns in air is Calcium (Ca). When calcium burns, it forms calcium oxide (CaO). When shaken in water, calcium oxide reacts with water to form calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), which is a strong base and has a pH greater than 7.
Therefore, the element X in this case could be Calcium (Ca).
To determine the possible element involved in this scenario, we need to consider its properties and behavior when it reacts with air and water.
The fact that the element burns in air to form an oxide suggests that it is likely a metal. Metals generally have the ability to react with oxygen to form metallic oxides.
Next, when the resulting oxide is shaken in water and the resulting solution has a pH greater than 7, it indicates that the solution is alkaline or basic. This means that it has a pH higher than 7, typically due to the presence of hydroxide ions (OH⁻) or other basic species.
Putting these pieces of information together, we can conclude that the element in question is a metal that forms a basic solution when its oxide reacts with water.
Based on these characteristics, one possible candidate is Group 1 of the periodic table, specifically the alkali metals. The most common example is sodium (Na). When sodium burns in air, it forms sodium oxide (Na₂O). When this oxide dissolves in water, it produces sodium hydroxide (NaOH), a strong base that contributes to the basic pH.
Therefore, the element X might be sodium (Na).