Question

Give examples of two acidic oxides. Write equations illustrating the formation of each oxide from its component elements. Write another chemical equation that illustrates the acidic character of each oxide.

Short answer

Examples are sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide. Equations: \( S + O_2 \rightarrow SO_2 \), \( SO_2 + H_2O \rightarrow H_2SO_3 \); \( C + O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 \), \( CO_2 + H_2O \rightarrow H_2CO_3 \).

Step-by-step solution

Identify Acidic Oxides

Acidic oxides are oxides that can react with water to form acids or react with bases to form salts and water. Common examples include sulfur dioxide (\(SO_2\)) and carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)).

Formation of Sulfur Dioxide

Sulfur dioxide \(SO_2\) is formed when sulfur \(S\) reacts with oxygen \(O_2\). The chemical equation for this reaction is:\[ S + O_2 \rightarrow SO_2 \]

Formation of Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide \(CO_2\) is formed when carbon \(C\) burns in the presence of oxygen \(O_2\). The chemical equation for this reaction is:\[ C + O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 \]

Acidic Character of Sulfur Dioxide

Sulfur dioxide reacts with water to form sulfurous acid. The chemical equation for this reaction is:\[ SO_2 + H_2O \rightarrow H_2SO_3 \]

Acidic Character of Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide reacts with water to form carbonic acid. The chemical equation for this reaction is:\[ CO_2 + H_2O \rightarrow H_2CO_3 \]

Key concepts

Acid-Base Reactions

Acid-base reactions are fundamental processes in chemistry where an acid reacts with a base. These reactions can result in the formation of water and a salt. Acidic oxides, such as sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide, behave as acids when they react with water. They form acidic solutions that demonstrate their acidic nature.
Unlike typical acids that donate protons, acidic oxides generally react with water to produce acids. For example: - Sulfur dioxide reacts with water to form sulfurous acid. - Carbon dioxide reacts with water to form carbonic acid.
This property is significant because it explains how oxides can alter the pH of their environments, impacting natural processes and industrial applications.

Chemical Equations

Chemical equations are symbolic representations of chemical reactions. They show the reactants transforming into products. A balanced chemical equation has the same number of each type of atom on both sides.
In chemical equations for acidic oxides:- Sulfur reacting with oxygen is shown as \( S + O_2 \rightarrow SO_2 \).- Carbon reacting with oxygen is outlined as \( C + O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 \).
These equations illustrate how elemental sulfur and carbon combine with oxygen to form sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide respectively. Being proficient with reading and balancing chemical equations is essential for understanding chemical interactions and predicting the products of reactions.

Oxide Formation

Oxide formation is a chemical process where an element combines with oxygen to form an oxide. This usually occurs through combustion or direct combination.
Sulfur dioxide formation involves burning sulfur in the presence of oxygen. The equation is \( S + O_2 \rightarrow SO_2 \). Carbon dioxide formation occurs when carbon combusts in oxygen, yielding \( C + O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 \).
These reactions are common in nature and industry:

• Sulfur dioxide is often produced from burning fossil fuels or mineral ores.
• Carbon dioxide is released in processes like respiration and combustion of carbon-based materials.

Understanding oxide formation is crucial for addressing environmental challenges, such as air pollution and global warming.

Sulfur Dioxide

Sulfur dioxide \((SO_2)\) is a significant acidic oxide. It's a colorless gas with a pungent odor, released during volcanic eruptions and industrial processes like burning coal and oil.
When sulfur dioxide dissolves in water, it forms sulfurous acid \((H_2SO_3)\), contributing to acid rain. The equation \( SO_2 + H_2O \rightarrow H_2SO_3 \) demonstrates this reaction.
Sulfur dioxide has implications:

• Environmental: As a precursor to acid rain, it impacts ecosystems and structures.
• Health: Can cause respiratory problems and irritation.

Efforts to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions focus on cleaner energy production and industrial regulation to protect the environment and public health.

Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide \((CO_2)\) is a well-known acidic oxide and greenhouse gas. It's colorless and odorless and plays a significant role in the Earth's carbon cycle.
Formed by burning carbon-containing fuels, it's released in activities like respiration and combustion. When carbon dioxide reacts with water, it forms carbonic acid \((H_2CO_3)\), as shown in the equation \( CO_2 + H_2O \rightarrow H_2CO_3 \).
The influence of carbon dioxide extends to:

• Climate Change: It is a major greenhouse gas contributing to global warming.
• Acidification: Oceanic uptake leads to ocean acidification, affecting marine life.

Mitigating carbon dioxide levels involves promoting renewable energy, enhancing energy efficiency, and supporting carbon capture technologies.