The properties of oxides
4 marks · NormalThe table below shows some oxides and whether they are formed from metals or non-metals.
| Oxide | Element type |
|---|---|
| Calcium oxide | Metal |
| Sulfur dioxide | Non-metal |
| Magnesium oxide | Metal |
| Carbon dioxide | Non-metal |
Complete the table by writing whether each oxide is acidic or basic.
Explain why magnesium oxide and sulfur dioxide have different acid-base properties.
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(b) Calcium oxide – basic; Sulfur dioxide – acidic; Magnesium oxide – basic; Carbon dioxide – acidic
(c) Because magnesium oxide is a metal oxide which tends to be basic and reacts with acids, while sulfur dioxide is a non-metal oxide and tends to be acidic and reacts with bases.
Common mistakes: Confusing acidic/basic oxides
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Marking points
B1 (b) · 2 marks · Each correct property earns 0.5 mark (basic/acidic) for the four oxides.
E1 (c) · 1 mark · States magnesium oxide is a metal oxide (basic); sulfur dioxide is a non-metal oxide (acidic).
E2 (c) · 1 mark · Links the reason to reactivity with acids/bases or provides correct explanation relating to type of element.
Worked solution
b) Calcium oxide – basic, Sulfur dioxide – acidic, Magnesium oxide – basic, Carbon dioxide – acidic
c) Magnesium oxide is a metal oxide so it is basic; it reacts with acids. Sulfur dioxide is a non-metal oxide so it is acidic; it reacts with bases.