Given below are two statements : Statement (I) : An element in the extreme left of the periodic table forms…

Given below are two statements :
Statement (I) : An element in the extreme left of the periodic table forms acidic oxides.
Statement (II) : Acid is formed during the reaction between water and oxide of a reactive element present in the extreme right of the periodic table.
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below :
  1. Statement I is true but Statement II is false
  2. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
  3. Both Statement I and Statement II are false
  4. Statement I is false but Statement II is true

Solution

Analyzing Statement (I)
The extreme left of the periodic table corresponds to the alkali metals (Group 1) and alkaline earth metals (Group 2).
These metals typically form basic (or occasionally amphoteric, in the case of some Group 2 elements) oxides, not acidic oxides.
For example, \(\mathrm{N a}_{\mathrm{2}} \mathrm{O}, \mathrm{K}_{\mathrm{2}} \mathrm{O}, \mathrm{M g O}, \mathrm{C a O}\), etc., all form basic solutions (e.g., \(\mathrm{Na}_{\mathrm{2}} \mathrm{O}+\mathrm{H}_{\mathrm{2}} \mathrm{O} \rightarrow 2 \mathrm{NaOH}\)).
Hence, Statement (I)-that an element in the extreme left forms acidic oxides-is false.
Analyzing Statement (II)
The extreme right of the periodic table corresponds to the nonmetals in Groups 15, 16, 17 (and noble gases in Group 18).
Nonmetal oxides (such as those of sulfur, phosphorus, chlorine) are generally acidic.
When these oxides dissolve in water, they typically form acids.
Example: \(\mathrm{SO}_3+\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O} \rightarrow \mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{SO}_4\) (sulfuric acid)
Example: \(\mathrm{P}_2 \mathrm{O}_5+3 \mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O} \rightarrow 2 \mathrm{H}_3 \mathrm{PO}_4\) (phosphoric acid)
Example: \(\mathrm{Cl}_2 \mathrm{O}_7+\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O} \rightarrow 2 \mathrm{HClO}_4\) (perchloric acid)
Thus, Statement (II)-that acid is formed when water reacts with an oxide of a reactive element in the extreme right-is true.
Conclusion
Statement (I) is false.
Statement (II) is true.

Asked in: JEE Main 2025 (22 Jan Shift 2)

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