Which one of the following oxides dissolves in water ?

Which one of the following oxides dissolves in water ?

CuO
Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>
Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>
Na<sub>2</sub>O
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2016
The correct answer is D) Na₂O.
Metallic oxides generally react with water to form bases. The solubility of metallic oxides in water varies. Oxides of alkali metals (Group 1) and some alkaline earth metals (Group 2, heavier ones) are soluble in water, reacting to form strong bases. Oxides of transition metals and other metals are typically insoluble or only slightly soluble in water.
– CuO is a copper(II) oxide, a transition metal oxide, which is insoluble in water. It is a basic oxide but dissolves in acids.
– Al₂O₃ is aluminium oxide, an amphoteric oxide (reacts with both acids and bases), and is generally insoluble in water.
– Fe₂O₃ is iron(III) oxide, an iron oxide, which is insoluble in water. It is a basic oxide.
– Na₂O is sodium oxide, an alkali metal oxide. It reacts vigorously with water to form sodium hydroxide (NaOH), a soluble base: Na₂O(s) + H₂O(l) → 2NaOH(aq). Thus, Na₂O effectively dissolves by reacting with water.