Question:

The pair of elements that form both oxides and nitrides, when burnt in air are

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Highly reactive alkaline earth metals like magnesium and calcium can react with both oxygen and nitrogen present in air to form oxides and nitrides.
Updated On: Jun 22, 2026
  • \(Na,\;Mg\)
  • \(Na,\;Be\)
  • \(Mg,\;Ca\)
  • \(Be,\;Mn\)
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understand the reaction with air.
Air contains both oxygen and nitrogen. Some reactive metals react with both gases on heating and form oxides as well as nitrides.

Step 2: Examine magnesium and calcium.
Magnesium burns in air forming both magnesium oxide and magnesium nitride: \[ 2Mg+O_2\rightarrow2MgO \] \[ 3Mg+N_2\rightarrow Mg_3N_2 \] Similarly, calcium also forms oxide and nitride: \[ 2Ca+O_2\rightarrow2CaO \] \[ 3Ca+N_2\rightarrow Ca_3N_2 \]

Step 3: Analyze the other options.
Sodium mainly forms oxide/peroxide and does not readily form nitride on burning in air.
Beryllium does not easily react with nitrogen due to its protective oxide layer.
Manganese does not normally form nitride by direct burning in air.

Step 4: Final conclusion.
Hence, the correct pair is \[ \boxed{Mg,\;Ca} \]
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