Here’s a explanation of common oxides and their acidity:
1. Types of Oxides
Oxides are classified based on their reaction with water or acids/bases:
- Basic Oxides – Usually metal oxides
- React with acids to form salt + water
- Examples:
- Na₂O + HCl → NaCl + H₂O
- CaO + H₂SO₄ → CaSO₄ + H₂O
- Acidic Oxides – Usually nonmetal oxides
- React with bases to form salt + water
- Examples:
- SO₂ + NaOH → Na₂SO₃ + H₂O
- CO₂ + Ca(OH)₂ → CaCO₃ + H₂O
- Amphoteric Oxides – Can act as acid or base
- React with both acids and bases
- Examples: Al₂O₃, ZnO
- Al₂O₃ + HCl → AlCl₃ + H₂O
- Al₂O₃ + NaOH → NaAlO₂ + H₂O
- Neutral Oxides – Do not react with acids or bases
- Examples: CO, N₂O
2. Acidity Trend
- Metal oxides → basic
- Nonmetal oxides → acidic
- Some metal oxides → amphoteric
- Some nonmetal oxides → neutral
In short:
- Basic oxides: metal oxides, react with acids
- Acidic oxides: nonmetal oxides, react with bases
- Amphoteric oxides: react with both
- Neutral oxides: do not react