If an oxide is acidic, which type forms it?

If an oxide is acidic, which type forms it?

• A. Metal
• B. Non-metal
• C. Metalloids
• D. Noble gas

Answer: (B)

Non-metals form acidic oxides. When these oxides dissolve in water, they tend to produce acids. For example, carbon dioxide dissolves in water to give carbonic acid, sulfur dioxide gives sulfurous acid, and sulfur trioxide gives sulfuric acid. In contrast, oxides of metals are usually basic, forming hydroxides that make alkaline solutions, and metalloids often produce amphoteric oxides that can behave as either acid or base. Noble gases don’t commonly form oxides in normal conditions. So, if an oxide is acidic, it is formed by a non-metal.

Non-metals form acidic oxides. When these oxides dissolve in water, they tend to produce acids. For example, carbon dioxide dissolves in water to give carbonic acid, sulfur dioxide gives sulfurous acid, and sulfur trioxide gives sulfuric acid. In contrast, oxides of metals are usually basic, forming hydroxides that make alkaline solutions, and metalloids often produce amphoteric oxides that can behave as either acid or base. Noble gases don’t commonly form oxides in normal conditions. So, if an oxide is acidic, it is formed by a non-metal.