Examples and Equations of Non-Metallic Oxides Reacting with Bases
Understanding the reaction of non metallic oxide with base is essential in chemistry, especially in Class 10 curriculum. This topic explains how acidic non-metal oxides interact with basic compounds, resulting in salt and water. Mastering this reaction helps students recognize neutralization processes and predict the outcomes of chemical equations involving non-metal oxides and bases. Let’s explore the key concepts, formulas, and examples related to this important reaction type.
Nature of Non-Metallic Oxides and Bases
To grasp the reaction of non metallic oxide with base, it's crucial to understand the properties of the reactants involved.
Non-Metallic Oxides
- Formed when non-metals react with oxygen.
- Mostly covalent and display acidic behavior.
- Examples include carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)), sulphur dioxide (\(SO_2\)), and dinitrogen pentoxide (\(N_2O_5\)).
- React with water to form acids; with bases, they yield salts and water.
Bases
- Compounds that neutralize acids, characterized by a slippery feel and a bitter taste.
- Common examples: sodium hydroxide (\(NaOH\)), potassium hydroxide (\(KOH\)), calcium hydroxide (\(Ca(OH)_2\)).
- Turn red litmus paper blue.
Reaction of Non Metallic Oxide with Base: Formula and Mechanism
Non-metallic oxides display acidic properties. When they react with bases, a typical neutralization reaction occurs, producing salt and water.
- This reaction is key in identifying the acidic character of non-metal oxides.
- Favoured in basic aqueous solutions, where non-metal oxides dissolve to give salts.
The general balanced equation is:
$$ \text{Non-Metallic Oxide} + \text{Base} \rightarrow \text{Salt} + \text{Water} $$
Reaction of Non Metallic Oxide with Base: Examples and Equations
Let’s look at some reaction of non metallic oxide with base class 10 examples:
- Carbon dioxide and sodium hydroxide:
$$ 2NaOH(aq) + CO_2(g) \rightarrow Na_2CO_3(aq) + H_2O(l) $$ - Carbon dioxide and calcium hydroxide (limewater test for \(CO_2\)):
$$ Ca(OH)_2(aq) + CO_2(g) \rightarrow CaCO_3(s) + H_2O(l) $$ - Sulphur dioxide and potassium hydroxide:
$$ 2KOH(aq) + SO_2(g) \rightarrow K_2SO_3(aq) + H_2O(l) $$
Each of these reactions supports that non-metallic oxides are acidic, as they neutralize bases to yield salts and water – a key concept related to neutralization reactions.
Why This Reaction Matters
- Used in environmental chemistry to control acidic gases in industrial emissions.
- Demonstrates how atmospheric acids are neutralized by basic compounds, preventing acid rain.
- Fundamental in understanding the difference between metallic and non-metallic oxides (see reactions of metallic oxides with acids).
- Frequently featured in acids, bases and salts chapters and exam questions.
Key Points & Summary Table
- Non-metallic oxides act as acidic oxides.
- Bases neutralize these oxides through a chemical reaction.
- Product of the reaction: salt and water.
- Central to understanding acid-base chemistry in the periodic table.
Summary Table:
| Reactant 1 | Reactant 2 | Products | Example Equation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Metallic Oxide | Base | Salt + Water | \(CO_2 + 2NaOH \rightarrow Na_2CO_3 + H_2O\) |
For more on the fundamental definitions and examples of bases, visit our page on bases.
In summary, the reaction of non metallic oxide with base is a primary demonstration of acid-base neutralization, where an acidic oxide and a basic compound produce salt and water. Whether as a class 10 concept or in advanced chemistry, this reaction highlights how the chemical properties of elements dictate their interactions. Remember, most non-metallic oxides are acidic and will react with bases to form neutral products, an insight that bridges exam question practice and real-world environmental applications.
FAQs on Understanding How Non-Metallic Oxides React with Bases
1. What happens when a non-metallic oxide reacts with a base?
When a non-metallic oxide reacts with a base, a salt and water are formed.
This is an example of a neutralisation reaction where:
- Non-metallic oxides like CO2 or SO2 act as acidic oxides.
- Bases (like NaOH or Ca(OH)2) neutralise the oxide.
- The general equation is: Non-metallic oxide + Base → Salt + Water
2. Give an example of the reaction between a non-metallic oxide and a base.
An example is the reaction between carbon dioxide and sodium hydroxide, forming sodium carbonate and water.
The chemical equation is:
- CO2 (Non-metallic oxide) + 2NaOH (Base) → Na2CO3 (Salt) + H2O (Water)
3. Why are non-metallic oxides called acidic oxides?
Non-metallic oxides are called acidic oxides because they react with bases to form salt and water, just like acids.
Key points:
- When dissolved in water, they form acids (e.g., SO2 + H2O → H2SO3).
- They neutralise bases, showing acidic behavior.
- Examples include CO2, SO2, NO2.
4. Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction of carbon dioxide with calcium hydroxide.
CO2 reacts with Ca(OH)2 (lime water) to form calcium carbonate and water.
Balanced equation:
- CO2 + Ca(OH)2 → CaCO3 + H2O
5. What is the nature of oxides formed by non-metals?
Oxides formed by non-metals are generally acidic in nature.
Key characteristics:
- They react with bases to give salts and water.
- They show acidic properties and turn blue litmus red.
- Examples: SO2, CO2, NO2.
6. How can you test if an oxide is acidic or basic?
To test if an oxide is acidic or basic, observe its reaction with bases and acids.
Testing methods:
- If it reacts with bases to form salt and water, it is an acidic oxide.
- If it reacts with acids, it is likely a basic oxide.
- Use litmus: Acidic oxides turn blue litmus red; basic oxides turn red litmus blue.
7. What is the general reaction between a non-metallic oxide and a base?
The general reaction between a non-metallic oxide and a base produces a salt and water.
General form:
- Non-metallic oxide + Base → Salt + Water
8. Name two non-metallic oxides and the salts formed when they react with NaOH.
Carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide are two non-metallic oxides forming distinct salts with sodium hydroxide.
- CO2 + 2NaOH → Na2CO3 + H2O (Sodium carbonate)
- SO2 + 2NaOH → Na2SO3 + H2O (Sodium sulphite)
9. How does the reaction of non-metallic oxides with bases support their acidic nature?
The reaction with bases to form salt and water demonstrates that non-metallic oxides are acidic in nature.
This property is similar to acids, as both:
- React with bases in neutralisation reactions
- Produce salt and water as products
- Examples: CO2 + NaOH, SO2 + KOH
10. Why do non-metals form acidic oxides while metals form basic oxides?
Non-metals form acidic oxides due to higher electronegativity, whereas metals form basic oxides because of their lower electronegativity.
Summary:
- Non-metallic oxides: Acidic, react with bases
- Metallic oxides: Basic, react with acids
- This behavior aligns with their position in the Periodic Table and helps identify the nature of unknown oxides in chemistry.
