When magnesium oxide is added to water, what is the nature of the resulting aqueous mixture?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Basic
Magnesium oxide reacts with water to form magnesium hydroxide: \(\mathrm{MgO + H_2O \rightarrow Mg(OH)_2}\). Magnesium hydroxide is basic, so the resulting aqueous mixture is basic in nature. A neutral mixture has neither acidic nor basic properties, whereas the hydroxide formed here shows basic behaviour.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Basic
Why is this the correct answer?
Magnesium oxide reacts with water to form magnesium hydroxide: \(\mathrm{MgO + H_2O \rightarrow Mg(OH)_2}\). Magnesium hydroxide is basic, so the resulting aqueous mixture is basic in nature. A neutral mixture has neither acidic nor basic properties, whereas the hydroxide formed here shows basic behaviour.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour. Topic: Chemical Reactions and Equations.
