Metal oxides are of nature
Metal oxides can exhibit different chemical properties depending on their composition and structure. However, in general, metal oxides are categorized as either acidic or basic.
Acidic nature of metal oxides:
- Some metal oxides, such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), can react with water to form acidic solutions. These oxides are called acidic oxides.
- Acidic oxides release hydrogen ions (H+) when dissolved in water, which makes the solution acidic.
- Examples of acidic oxides include carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur trioxide (SO3), and nitrogen trioxide (NO3).
Basic nature of metal oxides:
- Other metal oxides, such as sodium oxide (Na2O) and calcium oxide (CaO), can react with water to form basic solutions. These oxides are called basic oxides.
- Basic oxides release hydroxide ions (OH-) when dissolved in water, which makes the solution basic.
- Examples of basic oxides include magnesium oxide (MgO), sodium oxide (Na2O), and calcium oxide (CaO).
Neutral nature of metal oxides:
- Some metal oxides, such as aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and zinc oxide (ZnO), are amphoteric, meaning they can exhibit both acidic and basic properties depending on the reaction conditions.
- Amphoteric oxides can react with both acids and bases, and their behavior can vary depending on the specific reactants involved.
Conclusion:
- Metal oxides can be classified as acidic, basic, or amphoteric, depending on their chemical properties.
- The correct answer to the given question is Option B: Basic, as metal oxides are commonly known for their basic nature.