Metal oxides are generally ________ in nature.

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) basic

• ​Metal oxides are generally basic in nature, especially those of alkali metals (like sodium oxide, $$Na_2O$$​, and potassium oxide, $$K_2O$$​) and alkaline earth metals (like calcium oxide, CaO). When they react with water, they form bases or alkalis (e.g., $$Na_2O + H_2O → 2NaOH$$​).

Key Point:

General Nature of Metal Oxides

Metal oxides are generally basic in nature. This means that when they react with water, they form alkaline solutions. 

1. Basic Metal Oxides: These are metal oxides that react with water to produce a base (alkaline solution). For example:

   • Sodium oxide ($$Na_2O$$​) reacts with water to form sodium hydroxide (NaOH).

   • Calcium oxide (CaO) reacts with water to form calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂).

2. Amphoteric Oxides: Some metal oxides can exhibit both basic and acidic properties. These are known as amphoteric oxides. For example:

   • Aluminium oxide ($$Al_2O_3$$​) can react with both acids and bases.

   • Zinc oxide (ZnO) also shows amphoteric behavior.

3. Acidic Metal Oxides: There are a few metal oxides that are acidic in nature, though this is less common. For example:

   • Chromium trioxide ($$CrO_3$$​) is an acidic oxide.

   • Manganese dioxide (MnO₂) also behaves as an acidic oxide under certain conditions.