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+H2O→H2CO3
Carbon dioxide dissolves in water to form carbonic acid.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂): 3SO2+H2O→H2SO3
Sulfur dioxide dissolves in water to form sulfurous acid.
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂): 2NO2+H2O→2HNO3
Nitrogen dioxide dissolves in water to form nitric acid.