Question

why are metallic oxides are called basic oxides while non metallic oxides are acidic oxides? give equation also

Answer 1

Cationic part of a base is generally a metal eg. NaOH. Similarly, cationic part of an acid (oxidative acids only) is a non metal eg H2SO4. When both of them are made to anhydrous suitably they form their respective oxides. For example, NaOH gives Na2O (sodium oxide) and H2SO4 gives SO3.

Now, since NaOH is a base so Na2O is a basic oxide. Similarly, since H2SO4 is an acid therefore SO3 is an acidic oxide. Na2O is a metallic oxide while SO3 is a non metallic one.

Hence, metallic oxides are called basic oxides while non metallic oxides are acidic oxides.