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Question: Differentiate between the oxides of magnesium and sulphur....

Differentiate between the oxides of magnesium and sulphur.

Explanation

Solution

Magnesium is a chemical element with the symbol MgMg and atomic number 12. It is a shiny gray solid which bears a close physical resemblance to the other five elements in the second column (group 2, or alkaline earth metals) of the periodic table: all group 2 elements have the same electron configuration in the outer electron shell and a similar crystal structure. Magnesium is the ninth most abundant element in the universe. While, Sulfur is a chemical element with the symbol SS and atomic number 16. It is abundant, multivalent and nonmetallic. Under normal conditions, sulfur atoms form cyclic octatomic molecules. Elemental sulfur is a bright yellow, crystalline solid at room temperature. Sulfur is the tenth most common element by mass in the universe, and the fifth most common on Earth

Complete answer:

  1. Magnesium oxide MgOMgO is basic in nature and SO2S{O_2} is acidic in nature.
  2. MgOMgO is a metal oxide whereas sulphur oxide SO2S{O_2} is a non metal oxide.
  3. In MgOMgO ionic bond is present and in SO2S{O_2} covalent bond is present.
  4. Magnesium oxide MgOMgO is produced by the calcination of magnesium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide. While Sulfur oxides SO2S{O_2} dissolve readily in water, and result in the atmospheric formation of sulfurous acid or sulfuric acid - a component of acid rain. The majority of sulfur oxides are produced when fuels that contain sulfur undergo combustion. As well, the roasting of metal sulfide ores is a major source.
  5. MgOMgO is prized as a refractory material, a solid that is physically and chemically stable at high temperatures. While the overarching, dominant use of sulfur dioxide SO2S{O_2} is in the production of sulfuric acid
  6. MgOMgO is a principal fireproofing ingredient in construction materials. While Sulfur dioxide SO2S{O_2} is sometimes used as a preservative for dried apricots, dried figs, and other dried fruits, owing to its antimicrobial properties and ability to prevent oxidation.

Note: Magnesium oxide MgOMgO is used for relief of heartburn and dyspepsia, as an antacid, magnesium supplement, and as a short-term laxative also used to improve symptoms of indigestion. While SO2S{O_2} is considered that endogenous sulfur dioxide plays a significant physiological role in regulating cardiac and blood vessel function.