Final answer:
A compound is determined to be a basic oxide if it reacts with acids to form salts and water. Basic oxides typically originate from metals, especially those with low oxidation states.
The correct option is a) It reacts with acids to form salts and water.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine if a compound is a basic oxide, one must check if it reacts with acids to form salts and water. This is a characteristic property of basic oxides.
For example, when you combine a basic metal oxide such as calcium oxide (CaO) with water (H2O), it will react to form calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), which can further react with acids to produce a salt and water. The reaction of CaO with H2O is represented by the following chemical equation:
CaO(s) + H2O(l) → Ca(OH)2(aq)
Basic oxides typically come from metals, especially those metals with a low oxidation state.
In the periodic table, these metals are generally found on the left side and center, transitioning to amphoteric oxides and then to acidic oxides as we move to the more electronegative elements on the right.
The correct option is a) It reacts with acids to form salts and water.