How do metallic oxides differ from non-metallic oxides?

Metallic oxides are basic in nature, while non-metallic oxides are acidic.

Metallic oxides and non-metallic oxides differ primarily in their chemical properties, specifically their reactions with water and acids or bases. Metallic oxides, which are formed when metals react with oxygen, are basic in nature. This means they react with acids in a neutralisation reaction to form a salt and water. For example, when copper oxide (a metallic oxide) reacts with hydrochloric acid, it forms copper chloride and water.

On the other hand, non-metallic oxides are formed when non-metals react with oxygen. These oxides are acidic in nature, meaning they react with bases in a neutralisation reaction to form a salt and water. For instance, carbon dioxide (a non-metallic oxide) reacts with sodium hydroxide to form sodium carbonate and water.

Another key difference lies in their physical properties. Metallic oxides are generally solid and have high melting and boiling points due to their ionic bonding. They are also good conductors of heat and electricity. Non-metallic oxides, however, can be gases, liquids or solids at room temperature, and they have lower melting and boiling points due to their covalent bonding. They are poor conductors of heat and electricity.

In summary, metallic oxides and non-metallic oxides differ in their chemical reactions and physical properties. Understanding these differences is crucial in predicting the behaviour of these compounds in various chemical reactions.