Question:

Consider the following oxides: $\text{SO}_2$, $\text{P}_2\text{O}_5$, $\text{SO}_3$, $\text{Al}_2\text{O}_3$, $\text{K}_2\text{O}$, MgO. The most acidic and most basic oxides are respectively:

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Among Period 3 oxides, acidity generally increases from left to right, while basicity increases toward the highly electropositive metals.
Updated On: Jun 15, 2026
  • $\text{SO}_3,\ \text{MgO}$
  • $\text{SO}_3,\ \text{K}_2\text{O}$
  • $\text{P}_2\text{O}_5,\ \text{K}_2\text{O}$
  • $\text{P}_2\text{O}_5,\ \text{SO}_2$
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Concept: Metal oxides are generally basic, while non-metal oxides are generally acidic. Higher oxidation state and greater non-metallic character increase acidic nature.

Step 1: Identify the most basic oxide Among the given metal oxides, \[ \text{K}_2\text{O},\quad \text{MgO} \] Potassium is more electropositive than magnesium. Hence, \[ \text{K}_2\text{O} \] is the strongest basic oxide.

Step 2: Identify the most acidic oxide Among the acidic oxides, \[ \text{SO}_2,\quad \text{P}_2\text{O}_5,\quad \text{SO}_3 \] Sulfur in $\text{SO}_3$ has oxidation state $+6$, which is higher than that in $\text{SO}_2$. Also, sulfur is more electronegative than phosphorus. Therefore, \[ \text{SO}_3 \] is the most acidic oxide. Hence, \[ \boxed{\text{SO}_3,\ \text{K}_2\text{O}} \]
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