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Question

Science Question on Chemical Properties Of Metals

What type of oxides are formed when non-metals combine with oxygen?

Answer

When non-metals combine with oxygen, they typically form acidic oxides. These oxides are also known as non-metallic or acidic anhydrides. The resulting compounds, when dissolved in water, produce acidic solutions. The acidic nature arises because non-metal oxides tend to react with water to form acids.
For example:
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): 3CO2+H2OH2CO33CO_2​+H_2​O→H_2​CO_3
Carbon dioxide dissolves in water to form carbonic acid.

Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂): 3SO2+H2OH2SO33SO_2​+H_2​O→H_2​SO_3​
Sulfur dioxide dissolves in water to form sulfurous acid.

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂): 2NO2+H2O2HNO32NO_2​+H_2​O→2HNO_3​
Nitrogen dioxide dissolves in water to form nitric acid.