Question

Write down the changes that will be seen in the instance and explain the reason behind them.

Magnesium oxide was added to dilute HCl and magnesium oxide was added to dilute NaOH.

Answer 1

Magnesium oxide is a base. when a base reacts with an acid, it forms salt and water. This reaction is known as a neutralisation reaction.

MgO(s) + 2HCl(l) → MgCl₂(aq) + H₂O(l)

MgO does not react with NaOH.As NaOH is a base bases react only with oxides of non-metal to form salt and water because oxides of non-metals are said to be acidic in nature so a neutralization reaction takes place. But MgO is an oxide of metal so, the reaction is not possible.