Question

why are metallic oxides are called basic oxides while non metallic oxides are acidic oxides? give example.

Answer 1

Metallic oxides are basic in nature because they react with dilute acids to form salt and water. They also react with water to form metal hydroxides which are alkaline in nature, as these metal hydroxides release OH- ions in solution.

On the other hand, non metal oxides react with water to form acidic solutions which liberate H+ ions in solution. Therefore non metallic oxides are acidic in nature.

Answer 2

Any aqueous basic solution produces OH- ions.And similarly the metal oxides also produce OH- ions in the aqueous solution.That's why metal oxides are also known as the basic oxides.

On the other hand;

Any aqueous acidic solution produces H+ ions.And similarly the non-metal oxides also produce H+ ions in the aqueous solution.That's why non-metal oxides are also known as the acidic oxides.