How do acids react with metal oxides?

Acids react with metal oxides to produce a salt and water, in a type of reaction called a neutralisation reaction.

In more detail, when an acid reacts with a metal oxide, a neutralisation reaction occurs. This is because metal oxides are basic in nature. The acid and the metal oxide react together, neutralising each other, and the products of the reaction are a salt and water. This is a type of double displacement reaction, where the metal from the metal oxide and the hydrogen from the acid swap places.

For example, if we consider the reaction between sulphuric acid (H2SO4) and copper oxide (CuO), the products would be copper sulphate (CuSO4) and water (H2O). The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is: H2SO4 + CuO -> CuSO4 + H2O.

In this reaction, the sulphuric acid (H2SO4) donates a hydrogen ion (H+) to the copper oxide (CuO), which accepts it. This forms water (H2O) and leaves behind a copper sulphate ion (CuSO4), which is the salt.

This type of reaction is important in many industrial processes and in environmental chemistry. For example, it is used in the manufacture of fertilisers, in the treatment of acidic soils, and in the neutralisation of acidic waste gases from power stations.

Remember, not all metal oxides react with acids. Some metal oxides, such as those of copper and silver, do not react with dilute acids. Also, the type of acid and its concentration can affect the rate and extent of the reaction. Always handle acids with care, as they can be corrosive and harmful.