Q2
2 marksShort AnswerSection Section A

The atomic number of an element 'X' is 11.

(i) Write the electronic configurations of X and find its valency.

(ii) Write the formula and nature of its oxide.

Metals and Non-metals
Chemical Properties of Metals
Official Answer

(i) Electronic Configuration and Valency of X:

  • Since the atomic number of element XX is 1111, it is Sodium (Na\text{Na}).
  • Its electronic configuration is 2,8,12, 8, 1.
  • Since it has 11 valence electron in its outermost shell, it loses this electron to achieve a stable octet configuration. Therefore, the valency of XX is 11.

(ii) Formula and Nature of its Oxide:

  • Formula: The valency of XX (Sodium) is 11 and that of Oxygen is 22. By crossing over their valencies, the chemical formula of its oxide is Na2O\text{Na}_2\text{O} (Sodium oxide).
  • Nature: The oxide is basic in nature. When dissolved in water, it forms a strong alkali, sodium hydroxide (NaOH\text{NaOH}), which turns red litmus paper blue:

Na2O(s)+H2O(l)2NaOH(aq)\text{Na}_2\text{O(s)} + \text{H}_2\text{O(l)} \rightarrow 2\text{NaOH(aq)}

2, 8, 1valency 1Na2Obasic oxidealkalisodium hydroxide

Marking Scheme

  • 10.5 mark for writing the correct electronic configuration (2,8,12, 8, 1).
  • 20.5 mark for stating the correct valency (11).
  • 30.5 mark for writing the correct formula of the oxide (Na2O\text{Na}_2\text{O}).
  • 40.5 mark for stating that the oxide is basic in nature.

Hint

Identify element XX with atomic number 1111 as Sodium. Write its shell-wise electron distribution to find the valence electrons and valency. Recall that metal oxides are generally basic and react with water to form alkalis.

Quick Oral Answer

Element X is Sodium. Its electronic configuration is 2, 8, 1, and its valency is 1. Its oxide is sodium oxide (Na2O\text{Na}_2\text{O}), which is basic in nature because it dissolves in water to form the strong alkali sodium hydroxide.

Analysis & Explanation

Sodium is an alkali metal with a single valence electron. It is highly reactive and readily loses this electron to form a stable univalent cation (Na+\text{Na}^+). Its oxide, sodium oxide (Na2O\text{Na}_2\text{O}), is highly basic and dissolves in water to form sodium hydroxide (NaOH\text{NaOH}), which is a strong alkali. This is consistent with the general property of highly reactive metals forming basic oxides.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1Writing the valency as 77 instead of 11 by assuming it gains electrons rather than losing them.
  2. 2Writing the formula of sodium oxide as NaO\text{NaO} instead of Na2O\text{Na}_2\text{O}.
  3. 3Stating the oxide is acidic or amphoteric instead of basic.

Interesting Facts

Sodium is so soft that it can be cut with a knife, and it is kept immersed in kerosene oil because it reacts violently with moisture and oxygen in the air.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2022?

This question carries 2 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2022 examination.

Which chapter does this question come from in Science?

This question is from the chapter "Metals and Non-metals" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.

What topic does this question cover in Science?

This question covers the topic "Chemical Properties of Metals" from CBSE Class 10 Science.

What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2022 paper?

This is a Short Answer question from Section Section A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2022 paper.