Question

Oxygen is the most abundant element in the Earth’s crust.
(a) Give the formulae of the oxides formed by reacting oxygen with Ca, N, S and Zn. [2]
(b) Differentiate between basic and acidic oxides. [3]
(c) Classify the types of oxides represented by your answers in (a).

Answer 1

(a) CaO, NO₂, SO₂, SO_3, ZnO

(b) An oxide that combines with water to give an acid is termed as an acidic oxide. The oxide that gives a base in water is known as a basic oxide.

(c) Basic oxide: CaO

Acidic oxides: NO₂, SO₂, SO_3.

Amphoteric oxides: which shows both basic as well as acidic properties, example: ZnO.