Non-metals and their oxides, and uses of non-metals sheet3-mark answer frameHow do non-metals react with oxygen? Explain, with equations, why most non-metal oxides are called acidic oxides, and name one neutral oxide.
How to lay out the answer. Follow the frame, then write it in your own words.
- 1 · Reaction with oxygen. Non-metals burn in oxygen to form oxides: S + O₂ → SO₂; C + O₂ → CO₂.
- 2 · With water. These oxides dissolve to form acids: CO₂ + H₂O → H₂CO₃; SO₃ + H₂O → H₂SO₄.
- 3 · With bases. They react with bases to give salt and water: CO₂ + 2NaOH → Na₂CO₃ + H₂O.
- 4 · Neutral oxides. A few, such as CO and N₂O, are neutral: neither acidic nor basic.
- 5 · Close in one line. So most non-metal oxides are acidic, while metal oxides are basic.
Scoring tip: Give one equation with water and one with a base. Together they prove the oxide is acidic.
