Among Al₂O₃, SiO₂, P₂O₃ and SO₂ the correct order of acid strength is

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Al₂O₃ < SiO₂ < SO₂ < P₂O₃

SiO₂ < SO₂ < Al₂O₃ < P₂O₃

SO₂ < P₂O₃ < SiO₂ < Al₂O₃

Al₂O₃ < SiO₂ < P₂O₃ < SO₂

answer is D.

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Detailed Solution

As electronegativity difference between element and oxygen decreases the acidic character of oxides increases. The electronegativity also increases with increasing oxidiation state. In general, as non-metallic character increases across the period, the acidic character of their oxides increases. Again the oxides of metalloid are amphoteric and oxides of metal are basic.
Al₂O₃ is amphoteric, SiO₂ is slightly acidic whereas P₂O₃ and SO₂ are anhydrides of acid H₃PO₃ and H₂SO₃.

So the correct order of acidic strength oxides of 3rd period elements is

Al₂O₃ < SiO₂ < P₂O₃ < SO₂

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