Question

oxides of metals are basic while those of non metals are acidic

Answer 1

Non-metals react with oxygen in the air to produce non-metal oxides. Here are two examples for the non-metals carbon and sulphur. Non-metal oxides such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide are responsible for acid rain. They dissolve in the water in the clouds to form acidic solutions.

Answer 2

Explanation:

When a substance upon dissociation in a solution gives hydroxide ions then the substance is known as basic in nature. Whereas when a substance upon dissociation in a solution gives hydrogen ions then it is known as acidic in nature.

Therefore, oxides of metal when dissolved in water result in the formation of hydroxide compounds which upon dissociation gives hydroxide ions. Hence, they are basic in nature.

For example, $CaO + H_{2}O \rightarrow Ca(OH)_{2}$

On the other hand, oxides of non-metals do not form hydroxide compounds and they yield hydrogen ions upon dissociation in water. Hence, they are acidic in nature.

For example, $SO_{3} + H_{2}O \rightarrow H_{2}SO_{4}$