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The oxide ion tends to react with water to form hydroxide ions.
generically O2- + H2O --> 2OH- as an example CaO + H2O ---> Ca(OH)2
Some other metal oxides (like ZnO and Al2O3) are basic BUT also acidic oxides:
ZnO + H2O + 2 OH- --> Zn(OH)42- in which reaction hydroxide is needed and NOT formed! This behaviour is usually termed amphoteric.
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Why are metal oxide alkaline?
Metal oxides are alkaline because they tend to form basic solutions when they react with water, releasing hydroxide ions (OH-). This makes metal oxides capable of neutralizing acids, which are characteristic of bases. The basic nature of metal oxides is due to the presence of metal cations that can easily attract and bind with hydroxide ions.
Why are aluminium and zinc oxides called amphoteric oxides?
Aluminium and zinc oxides are called amphoteric oxides because they can react as both acids and bases. This means they can react with both acids to form salts and water, as well as with bases to form salts and water. Their ability to exhibit acidic and basic properties makes them versatile compounds in chemical reactions.
Why does metal combustion leaves ashes?
When metals combust, they react with oxygen in the air to form metal oxides. These metal oxides are what we commonly refer to as "ashes" when a metal combusts. The ashes are the residue left over after the metal has reacted with oxygen and undergone combustion.
Is it true that non metal oxides which react with water to form acids are called acidic oxides?
Yes, that is correct. Non-metal oxides that react with water to form acids are called acidic oxides because they produce acidic solutions when dissolved in water. Examples include carbon dioxide (CO2) forming carbonic acid (H2CO3) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) forming sulfurous acid (H2SO3).
Why metal oxide are basic in nature?
The oxide ions in a metal oxide generally react with water to form hydroxide ions which are basic in nature (OH-). Here's a complete reaction example : The oxide ion tends to react with water to form hydroxide ions. generically O2- + H2O --> 2OH- As an example, CaO + H2O ---> Ca(OH)2 Some other metal oxides (like ZnO and Al2O3) are basic BUT also acidic oxides: ZnO + H2O + 2 OH- --> Zn(OH)42- in which reaction hydroxide is needed and NOT formed! This behaviour is usually termed amphoteric.
