If an oxide is basic, which type of element forms it?

If an oxide is basic, which type of element forms it?

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

Answer: (A)

Basic oxides come from metals because when a metal oxide dissolves in water it forms a metal hydroxide, which releases hydroxide ions and makes the solution alkaline. A classic example is calcium oxide reacting with water to give calcium hydroxide, a basic solution. This is the opposite behavior of oxides formed by non-metals, which tend to be acidic and create acids when in contact with water. Some metalloids can form oxides with mixed behavior (amphoteric), and noble gases don’t normally form simple, stable oxides under ordinary conditions. So, if an oxide is basic, the element forming it is a metal.

Basic oxides come from metals because when a metal oxide dissolves in water it forms a metal hydroxide, which releases hydroxide ions and makes the solution alkaline. A classic example is calcium oxide reacting with water to give calcium hydroxide, a basic solution. This is the opposite behavior of oxides formed by non-metals, which tend to be acidic and create acids when in contact with water. Some metalloids can form oxides with mixed behavior (amphoteric), and noble gases don’t normally form simple, stable oxides under ordinary conditions. So, if an oxide is basic, the element forming it is a metal.