Question

(a) With the help of examples, describe how metal oxides differ from non-metal oxides.
(b) Which of the following elements would yield: (i) an acidic oxide, (ii) a basic oxide, and (iii) a neutral oxide?
Na, S, C, K, H

Answer 1

(a) Metal oxides are generally basic in nature, which can turn red litmus solution to blue while non-metal oxides are generally acidic in nature, which can turn blue litmus solution to red. For example, sodium oxide and potassium oxide are metal oxides which are basic in nature; carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide are non-metal oxides which are acidic in nature.

(b) (i) S and C would yield acidic oxides.
(ii) Na and K would yield basic oxides.
(iii) H would yield neutral oxides.