Reaction with Oxygen (AQA A Level Chemistry)

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Reaction with Oxygen

Oxide Formation

  • The period 3 elements, excluding chlorine and argon, combine with oxygen to form oxides
  • The oxide formed will contain the elements in their highest oxidation state
  • The following equations show these reactions:

4Na (s) + O2 (g) → 2Na2O (s)

2Mg (s) + O2 (g) → 2MgO (s)

4Al (s) + 3O2 (g)  → 2Al2O3 (s)

Si (s) + O2 (g)→ SiO2 (s)

4P (s) + 5O2 (g) → P4O10 (s)

S (s) + O2 (g) → SO2 (g)

Reaction of Period 3 elements with oxygen table

The Periodic Table - Table 1_Period 3 Oxides, downloadable AS & A Level Chemistry revision notes

  • Sulfur can actually form two oxides - SO2 and SO3
    • For SO3 to form, a catalyst must be used and the reaction must take place at a very high temperature
    • The equation for this reaction is:

2S (s) + 3O2 (g) → 2SO3 (g)

  • The oxides formed from these reactions have different physical properties, depending on the type of structure and bonding
  • Sodium oxide, magnesium oxide and aluminium oxide are all ionic oxides
    • Sodium, magnesium and aluminium are all metals and oxygen is a non-metal

  • Silicon oxide has a giant covalent structure, like diamond
  • Phosphorus oxide and sulfur dioxide are simple covalent molecules

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Stewart

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Stewart has been an enthusiastic GCSE, IGCSE, A Level and IB teacher for more than 30 years in the UK as well as overseas, and has also been an examiner for IB and A Level. As a long-standing Head of Science, Stewart brings a wealth of experience to creating Exam Questions and revision materials for Save My Exams. Stewart specialises in Chemistry, but has also taught Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies.