Question

Which of the following is neutral?
A) ${N_2}{O_5}$
B) ${N_2}{O_3}$
C) ${N_2}{O_4}$
D) ${N_2}O$

Answer 1

We all know that the oxides are classified as acidic, basic, amphoteric or neutral based on the acid-base characteristics of the oxides. Here are the points we should remember while classifying oxides as acidic, basic, amphoteric or neutral.

Complete answer:
Acidic oxides are the oxides that form acids on reacting with water and are generally oxides of non-metals. Besides oxides of non-metals, the oxides of some metals in higher oxidation numbers are also acidic in nature.
Basic oxides are the oxides that form bases on reacting with water and generally oxides of metals. Generally, group one and group two elements except beryllium and all transition metals form basic oxides.
Amphoteric oxides exhibit both basic as well as acidic properties. These are generally formed by the elements which are on the border line between metals and non-metals i.e., elements (Al, Zn, Sn, Pb etc.) which lie in the center of the periodic table.
Neutral oxides show neither basic or acidic properties and hence these do not form salts on reacting with acids or bases.
We are asked to select the neutral oxide in this question,
Option A, B and C are wrong as ${N_2}{O_5}$ , ${N_2}{O_3}$and ${N_2}{O_4}$ or $N{O_2}$ are all acidic oxides. And the acidic character increases with the increase in the oxidation number.
Option D ${N_2}O$is the correct answer as ${N_2}O$is a neutral oxide.
Hence, option D is correct.

Note: We should note the names of amphoteric and neutral oxides.
${N_2}O$(Nitrous oxide), NO (Nitric oxide), CO (Carbon monoxide), ${H_2}O$(Water) are all neutral oxides.