Activity 3.8 Class 10 Science

by

In this activity, we will test the nature of oxides of metals and non-metals using
litmus paper.

Activity 3.8 Class 10 Science

Nature of Oxides of Magnesium and Sulphur

 

Aim of the activity

 

To identify the nature of metal oxides and non-metal oxide

 

Materials Required

 

   1. Magnesium ribbon

   2. Sulphur powder

   3. Spirit lamp

   4. Red and blue litmus paper

   5. Water

   6. Test tube

   7. Watch glass

   8. Tongs

 

Procedure

 

We will perform this activity in two parts:

 

Part A: Burning of Magnesium

 

We hold a magnesium ribbon with tongs and burn over a flame. We collect the white ash (magnesium oxide) in a watch glass.

Now we dissolve the ash in water and test the solution with both red and blue
litmus papers.

 

Part B: Burning of Sulphur

 

We take sulphur powder in a spoon and burn overt flame. Now we invert a test tube
over the burning sulphur to collect sulphur dioxide gas.  Now we add some water into the test tube and shake well. we test the solution with both red and blue litmus paper.

 

 Observation

 

Substance

Product
formed

 Litmus test

Nature
of oxide

Magnesium

Magnesium oxide

Turns red litmus blue

(no effect on blue litmus paper)

 Basic

Sulphur

Sulphur dioxide

Turns blue litmus red

(no effect on red litmus paper)

Acidic


Explanation

 

Magnesium is a metal and forms magnesium oxide when burned. Its solution in water turns red litmus into blue so it is basic in nature.

 

  2Mg + O2 →2MgO

 

   MgO + H2O → Mg (OH)2 (Basic)

 

Sulphur is a non- metal and forms sulphur dioxide when burned. Its solution in water turns blue litmus into red so it is acidic in nature.

 

   S+ O2 → SO2

 

  SO2   +H2O → H2SO3(acidic)

 

Conclusion

 

This activity explains that metal oxides are basic in nature and oxides of non-metals
are acidic in nature.

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

 

   1. Which acid is formed when SO2 gas is dissolved in water?

Answer
Sulphurous acid H2SO3

 

   2. Name the base formed when MgO is dissolved in water.

Answer
Magnesium hydroxide

 

   3. Why does sulphur dioxide turn blue litmus red?

Answer
Sulphur dioxide is acidic in nature.

 

All Activities Chapter 3 Metals and Non-Metals

 

S.No.

Topics

1

Activity 3.1

2

Activity 3.2

3

Activity 3.3

4

Activity 3.4

5

Activity 3.5

6

Activity 3.6

7

Activity 3.7

8

Activity 3.8

9

Activity 3.9

10

Activity 3.10

11

Activity 3.11

12

Activity 3.12

13

Activity 3.13

14

Activity 3.14