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Chapter 22: Problem 4

The oxides of the selenium(IV) and tellurium(IV) are \(\mathrm{SeO}_{2}\) and \(\mathrm{TeO}_{2} .\) One of these oxides is amphoteric and one is acidic. Which is which?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Selenium(IV) oxide (SeO2) is acidic, while tellurium(IV) oxide (TeO2) is amphoteric.

Step by step solution

01

Determine the location on the periodic table

Check the position of selenium and tellurium in the periodic table. Both selenium and tellurium are in the same group (Group 16 - the oxygen group) of the periodic table. Tellurium is below selenium in the group.
02

Correlate position to basicity

Understand that as we go down the group, elements' tendency to behave as a base increases. It means, the cations of the elements which are below in the group have more tendency to hydrolyze water and behave like a base. Therefore, tellurium(IV) oxide (TeO2) is more likely to behave as a base.
03

Classify the oxides

Because TeO2 shows both acidic and basic behavior, it is amphoteric. SeO2, being above in the group, is less likely to behave as a base and hence is acidic.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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