Problem 60 - Chemistry: The Central Science

Question

Some metal oxides, such as \(\mathrm{Sc}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3}\), do not react with pure water, but they do react when the solution becomes either acidic or basic. Do you expect \(\mathrm{Sc}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3}\) to react when the solution becomes acidic or when it becomes basic? Write a balanced chemical equation to support your answer.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Sc2O3 is an amphoteric metal oxide, meaning it can react with both acidic and basic solutions. The balanced chemical equations are: Reaction with an acid (H+ ions): \( Sc_2O_3 + 6H^+ \rightarrow 2Sc^{3+} + 3H_2O \) Reaction with a base (OH- ions): \( Sc_2O_3 + 6OH^- \rightarrow 2Sc(OH)_6^{3-} \)

Step 1: Analyze the given compound Sc2O3

Sc2O3 is a metal oxide, which means it is composed of a metal (Sc) and oxygen (O). Metal oxides tend to be either basic or amphoteric, meaning they can react with either acids or bases.

Step 2: Predict if Sc2O3 is basic or amphoteric

Sc2O3 is composed of scandium, which is a metal from Group 3 of the periodic table. Group 3 metal oxides typically display amphoteric behavior, meaning they can react with both acidic and basic solutions. We can therefore predict that Sc2O3 will react with acidic and basic solutions.

Step 3: Write balanced chemical equations for reactions with acids and bases

As Sc2O3 is amphoteric, it will react with both acidic and basic solutions. Let's write balanced chemical equations for both reactions. Reaction with an acid (H+ ions): \( Sc_2O_3 + 6H^+ \rightarrow 2Sc^{3+} + 3H_2O \) Reaction with a base (OH- ions): \( Sc_2O_3 + 6OH^- \rightarrow 2Sc(OH)_6^{3-} \) We have now written balanced chemical equations for the reaction of Sc2O3 with acidic and basic solutions. Sc2O3 will react with both acidic and basic solutions since it is an amphoteric metal oxide.