Question

The pronounced change from non-metallic behaviour and also increase in the basicity of oxides from nitrogen to bismuth in group `15` is principally due to incresing size of the atoms. The ionisation potential of nitrogen is very high on account of its small size. However, ionisation potential decreases regularly on descending the group.
Which of the following oxides is most acidic ?
A. `Bi_2 O_3`
B. `P_2 O_3`
C. `As_2 O_3`
D. `Sb_2O_3`

Answer 1

Correct Answer - B
Type of oxide remaining the same, `M_2 O_3` with the increase in electronegativity, acidic character increases, hence `P_2 O_3` is most acidic.
`(EN of P gt As gt Sb gt Bi)`.