Question

What happens when bases react with non-metal oxides? Explain with the help of an example. What does this reaction tell us about the nature of non-metal oxides?

Answer 1

Bases react with non-metal oxides to form salt and water.

\[\ce{Non-metal oxide + Base -> Salt + Water}\]

Calcium hydroxide is a base, and carbon dioxide is a non-metal oxide. So, calcium hydroxide solution reacts with carbon dioxide to produce calcium carbonate and water.

\[\ce{\underset{(Base)}{\underset{Calcium hydroxide}{Ca(OH)2_{(aq)}}} + \underset{(Non-metal oxide)}{\underset{Carbon dioxide}{CO2_{(g)}}} -> \underset{(Salt)}{\underset{Calcium carbonate}{CaCO3_{(s)}}} + \underset{Water}{H2O_{(l)}}}\]

The reactions of non-metal oxides with bases to form salt and water show that non-metal oxides are acidic in nature.