Classifying Oxides: Acidic, Basic & Amphoteric
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What is an oxide?
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Oxides are oxygen bonded to one other element, classified by acid-base behaviour rather than just listed.
Metal or non-metal?
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Metallic character steers pH: metals form basic oxides; non-metals form acidic oxides.
Acidic oxides
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Non-metal oxides give low pH in water and react with bases to form salt and water. Examples: CO2, SO2, NO2, SiO2.
Basic oxides
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Metal oxides give high pH in water and react with acids to form salt and water. Examples: CuO, CaO.
Amphoteric oxides
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ZnO and Al2O3 act as both acid and base depending on the reactant, always forming salt and water.