Q. 1. What is the nature (acidic/basic) of the following oxides? (a) Magnesium oxide (b) Sulphur dioxide Given the reason for your choice.

Answer

Magnesium is a metal. Metals react with oxygen to form metallic oxides. Hence, Magnesium oxides are basic in nature. On the other hand, nonmetals react with oxygen to form nonmetallic oxides. These oxides differ from metallic oxides because they are acidic in nature. Nonmetallic oxides react with water to form acids. Therefore, Sulphur dioxide is acidic in nature. Magnesium oxide is basic in nature.