Here’s a explanation without using any equations:
The major oxides of sulfur are:
- Sulfur dioxide (SO₂):
- A colorless gas with a strong, sharp smell.
- Formed when sulfur burns in air.
- Commonly used in making sulfuric acid and as a preservative in foods and wines.
- It is an acidic oxide because it forms a weak acid when it reacts with water.
- Sulfur trioxide (SO₃):
- A colorless to white solid or gas, very reactive.
- Produced by further oxidation of sulfur dioxide, usually with a catalyst.
- Mainly used to produce concentrated sulfuric acid.
- It is a strong acidic oxide because it reacts vigorously with water to give a strong acid.
- Other minor oxides:
- Sulfur can also form some unstable oxides like disulfur monoxide or disulfur dioxide, but these are rare and mostly of academic interest.
In short: The two most important oxides are sulfur dioxide and sulfur trioxide, both of which are acidic and industrially very important.