Chemistry 12 · Chemistry · Lesson 5.5
Non-metal and metal oxides in water
- Level
- Grade 12
- Reading time
- 11 min reading
- Review
- Last reviewed 2026-09-03
- Standard
- Accuracy standard
- Errata
Abstract
Acidic and basic oxides.
Concept preview
What you will be able to do
- 01Distinguish acidic and basic oxides
- 02Write equations for oxides reacting with water
- 03Explain the chemistry of acid rain and its neutralization
An oxide is a compound of an element with oxygen, and oxides fall into two sharply different classes based on the element. Non-metal oxides tend to be acidic, and metal oxides tend to be basic. This single periodic pattern — acidic on the right of the table, basic on the left — organises a great deal of chemistry, including the formation and control of acid rain.
School Plan
Non-metal and metal oxides in water
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