Question

Reaction of Metallic oxides with acids?

Answer 1

When metal oxides are put into contact with water, they often, though not always, form metal hydroxides. The reaction depends on the element, the acidity of the metal oxide and on the physical state of the water.

Answer 2

If I explained this in experimental form, it would be more better.

Take some water in a test tube and add a little red oxide (the primer used before painting iron articles) to it. Now add a small quantity of dilute HCl to it, shake the test tube and observe.

The chemical formula of red oxide is Fe2O3. The water-insoluble red oxide reacts with HCl to produce a water soluble salt FeCl3. This gives a yellowish colour to the water. The following chemical equation can be written for this chemical change.

Fe2O3 (s) + 6HCl (aq) → 2FeCl3 (aq) + 3H2O (l)