Question

Metal oxides are _______ in nature.
A.Basic
B.Acidic
C.Neutral
D.None of these

Answer 1

We need to know that the Oxides are basically chemical compounds that contain at least one oxygen atom and another element. Metal oxides contain an anion of oxygen in the oxidation state of $- 2$ . Metal oxides have polymeric structures. Metal forms three different types of oxides – oxides, peroxides and superoxides.

Complete step by step answer:
As we know that the metals have a tendency to donate their electrons in valence shells for bonding. When they pair with oxygen atoms leads to forming metal oxides.
We must know that when metal oxides react with water vigorously to form different compounds. This is the main reason for the acid-base characteristic of metal oxides. In ionic metal oxides, when react with water, produce ions in water. Thus, hydroxide ions are produced. This shows that metal oxides form a basic solution.
In the periodic table, on the left hand side we have metals.
The group 1 elements are alkali metals. These elements exhibit a valency on one as they contain only one atom in the outermost shell. When their metal oxides react with water it gives metal hydroxides which are basic in nature. E.g. $Na{O_2}$
Similarly, the group 2 elements of the periodic table are alkaline earth metals. The show valency of two, as they have two electrons in the outermost shell. The metal oxides in water also gives hydroxides which are basic in nature. E.g. $MgO$
If we react to metal oxides with inorganic acids they form salt and water. And we know that only acid-base reactions produce salt and water.
Hence, metal oxides are basic in nature.
The correct answer to the question is option A.

Note:
As we know that the metal oxides are basic in nature. When they react with acids they form salt and water. If we do a litmus paper test, then metal oxides turn the red litmus paper blue and with blue litmus paper, it remains the same. Non-metals also form oxides. They are acidic in nature. When they are reacted with strong bases they form salts of water. If we do a litmus paper test, then non-metal oxides turn blue litmus paper red and with red litmus paper it remains the same.