a The element germanium is in Group 14, in Period 4. It is classed as a semimetal or metalloid, as is silicon in Period 3.

i. Predict the chemical bonding and structure of the element germanium.

ii. Germanium(IV) oxide has properties similar to silicon dioxide. It is an acidic oxide. Write a balanced symbol equation, including state symbols, to show the reaction of germanium(IV) oxide with hot, concentrated sodium hydroxide solution.

iii. What would you expect to happen if germanium(IV) oxide was added to 2.0moldm⁻³ hydrochloric acid?

b. Potassium oxide (K₂O) is a basic oxide. It reacts and dissolves in water, forming an alkaline solution.

i. Write a balanced symbol equation, including state symbols, to show the reaction of potassium oxide with water.

ii. Write a balanced symbol equation, including state symbols, to show the reaction of potassium oxide with dilute nitric acid.

iii. Predict the chemical bonding and structure of potassium oxide.