a dot point help here! (1 Viewer)

[xx06]

Hi
I was just wondering if anyone could fill me in on this dot point
thanks

its: identify oxides of non-metals which act as acids and describe the conditions under which they act as acids


its the bit in the bold im most having trouble with

*any help greatly appreciated*

 

[Dreamerish*~]

They will act as acids when in solution. For example, CO₂ is an acidic oxide and it dissolves in water via the following equation:

CO_2(g) + H₂O_(l) → H₂CO_3(aq)

The H₂CO₃ then reacts with water to donate a proton (note that acids are defined as proton-donors):

H₂CO_3(aq) + H₂O_(l) → H₃O⁺_(aq) + HCO₃^-_(aq)

H₃O⁺ is produced, giving the solution its acidic properties.

 

[Riviet]

H₂CO_3(aq) + H₂O_(l) → H₃O⁺_(aq) + HCO₃^-_(aq)

Just for supplementary info, the process of adding water as shown in the above equation to show that something is acidic or basic is known as hydration, it's particularly useful in explaining why certain salts are slightly acidic or basic.

 

[Vaishali]

is it only in water or in any damn solution????? like in salt or acidic, basic or amphoteric solutions???????????

 

[Nodice]

I believe they are only really talking about water as the solvent here. Acidity depends on both the actually substance itself AND the solvent. For instance, Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid in water, but is a weak acid in diethyl ether.