Metal and non-metal oxides

This lesson covers: 

  1. How metals and non-metals react with oxygen to form oxides
  2. Acidic and alkaline properties of metal and non-metal oxides
  3. Reactions of metal oxides with acids
  4. Reactions of non-metal oxides with alkalis

Metals react with oxygen to form metal oxides

Illustration of a magnesium ribbon being heated over a flame.

Metals can react with oxygen gas to produce metal oxides.

For example:

  • Magnesium + oxygen → magnesium oxide

Metal oxides are alkaline

Illustration of a beaker with a purple liquid labelled metal oxide alkaline.

Metal oxides exhibit alkaline properties.

This means metal oxides can react with acids to produce salts and water.


Examples:

  • Hydrochloric acid + copper oxide → copper chloride + water
  • Sulfuric acid + zinc oxide → zinc sulfate + water
  • Nitric acid + magnesium oxide → magnesium nitrate + water

Non-metals react with oxygen to form non-metal oxides

Diagram showing sulfur burning in oxygen gas to form sulfur dioxide using a combustion spoon.

Non-metals can also react with oxygen to produce non-metal oxides.

For example:

  • Sulfur + oxygen → sulfur dioxide

Non-metal oxides are acidic

Illustration of a beaker containing a pink solution labelled non-metal oxide acidic.

Non-metal oxides exhibit acidic properties.

This means non-metal oxides react with alkalis to produce salts and water.

Example:

  • Sodium hydroxide + carbon dioxide → sodium carbonate + water