Sulphur dioxide can dissolve in water to form an acidic solution. What type of oxide does this prove sulphur dioxide to be?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Acidic oxide
An oxide that reacts with water to produce an acidic solution is classified as an acidic oxide. Sulphur dioxide is an oxide of the non-metal sulphur; it reacts with water to form sulphurous acid: SO₂ + H₂O → H₂SO₃. This acidic product explains the observation. A basic oxide would produce a basic solution, a neutral oxide would not show this behaviour, and “metallic oxide” is not the correct chemical classification here.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Acidic oxide
Why is this the correct answer?
An oxide that reacts with water to produce an acidic solution is classified as an acidic oxide. Sulphur dioxide is an oxide of the non-metal sulphur; it reacts with water to form sulphurous acid: SO₂ + H₂O → H₂SO₃. This acidic product explains the observation. A basic oxide would produce a basic solution, a neutral oxide would not show this behaviour, and “metallic oxide” is not the correct chemical classification here.
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.
