Inorganic Chemistry #2: Periodicity of Chemical Properties: Period 3 Oxides

LESSON OBJECTIVE: Describe reactions of period 3 elements with oxygen and water and investigate the periodicity of Period 3 oxides.

In this lesson we link the concept of periodicity to chemical properties by investigating the formation and reactions of Period 3 oxides. This is lesson two in our inorganic chemistry series for Unit 9: The Periodic Table: chemical periodicity (from the Cambridge International AS Chemistry Curriculum (9701) 2019-2021 curriculum).

Learning Outcomes:
(taken from the Cambridge International AS and A Level Chemistry (9701) 2019-2021 curriculum)
9.2 Periodicity of chemical properties of the elements in Period 3
a) describe the reactions, if any, of the elements with oxygen (to give Na2O, MgO, Al2O3, P4O10, SO2, SO3), chlorine (to give NaCl, MgCl2, Al2Cl6, SiCl4, PCl5) and water (Na and Mg only)

b) state and explain the variation in oxidation number of the oxides (sodium to sulfur only) and chlorides (sodium to phosphorus only) in terms of their outer shell (valence shell) electrons

c) describe the reactions of the oxides with water (treatment of peroxides and superoxides is not required)

d) describe and explain the acid/base behaviour of oxides and hydroxides including, where relevant, amphoteric behaviour in reactions with acids and bases (sodium hydroxide only)

f) interpret the variations and trends in 9.2(b), ©, (d) and (e) in terms of bonding and electronegativity

g) suggest the types of chemical bonding present in chlorides and oxides from observations of their chemical and physical properties

9.1 Periodicity of physical properties of the elements in Period 3
e) explain the strength, high melting point and electrical insulating properties of ceramics in terms of their giant structure; to include magnesium oxide, aluminium oxide and silicon dioxide