A non-metal oxide dissolves in water and forms a solution that turns blue litmus red. What type of oxide is it?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Acidic oxide
Blue litmus turning red is the characteristic test for an acidic medium. If a non-metal oxide dissolves in water and produces such a solution, the oxide has formed an acid, for example SO₂ + H₂O → H₂SO₃ or CO₂ + H₂O ⇌ H₂CO₃. This is why many non-metal oxides are classified as acidic oxides. Basic oxides would turn red litmus blue, while a neutral salt or metallic base does not fit the observation. Thus A is correct.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Acidic oxide
Why is this the correct answer?
Blue litmus turning red is the characteristic test for an acidic medium. If a non-metal oxide dissolves in water and produces such a solution, the oxide has formed an acid, for example SO₂ + H₂O → H₂SO₃ or CO₂ + H₂O ⇌ H₂CO₃. This is why many non-metal oxides are classified as acidic oxides. Basic oxides would turn red litmus blue, while a neutral salt or metallic base does not fit the observation. Thus A is correct.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour. Topic: Acids, Bases, and Salts.
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