Question

An element X forms two oxides XO and XO₂. The oxide XO is neutral but XO₂ is acidic in nature. The element X is most likely to be ______.

Options

• sulphur

• carbon

• calcium

• hydrogen

Answer 1

An element X forms two oxides XO and XO₂. The oxide XO is neutral but XO₂ is acidic in nature. The element X is most likely to be carbon.

Explanation:

Carbon (element X) forms carbon monoxide (CO), which is a neutral oxide that does not react with acids or bases. It also forms carbon dioxide (CO₂), which dissolves in water to form carbonic acid, making it acidic. In contrast, sulphur only forms acidic oxides (SO₂ and SO₃), calcium forms a basic oxide (CaO), and hydrogen forms a neutral oxide (H₂O).