Question

Which of the following oxides is acidic in nature?
1.${B_2}{O_3}$
2.$A{l_2}{O_3}$
3.$G{a_2}{O_3}$
4.$I{n_2}{O_3}$

Answer 1

Hint: This question gives knowledge about the acidic nature of chemical compounds. The acidic nature of chemical compounds helps in explaining the acidic character possessed by the compound. Acids are the chemical substances which react with other chemical compounds to donate hydronium ions.

Complete step-by-step answer:Acids are the chemical substances which react with other chemical compounds to donate hydronium ions. Acids generally possess low $pH$ values ranging between $0$ to $6$. When acidic compounds react with basic compounds, they lead to the formation of salts and water molecules. This type of reaction is known as neutralization reactions.
The acidic character of chemical compounds depends on various factors which are as follows:
1.The chemical compounds having cation with higher charge possess higher acidic character.
2.The chemical compounds having anion with smaller charge possess higher acidic character.
3.Higher the electronegativity, higher will be acidic character.
4.The higher ionization energy leads to higher acidic character.
5.Down the group, atomic size of the elements decreases which leads to smaller size of cations. So, acidic character also decreases.
${B_2}{O_3}$ is acidic in nature because it is an anhydride of boric acid also due to larger size of cation it possesses higher acidic character. $A{l_2}{O_3}$ is amphoteric in nature, as it acts as an acid with bases and acts as a base with acids. Same is the case with $G{a_2}{O_3}$, it is also amphoteric in nature. $I{n_2}{O_3}$ is basic in nature.

Therefore, option $1$ is correct.

Note:According to Arrhenius theory, acids are the chemical substances that can donate hydronium ions to other molecules. The compounds or molecules which contain replaceable hydrogen atoms show acidic behavior.