Final answer:
The statement that most nonmetal oxides are acidic is true, as they form acids when dissolved in water. Metal oxides, conversely, are generally basic and can form metal hydroxides.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement most nonmetal oxides are acidic, which means those that dissolve in water form acids is true. These compounds are also known as acid anhydrides. When nonmetal oxides react with water, they often form oxyacids. For instance, sulfur trioxide (SO3) reacts with water to form sulfuric acid (H2SO4).
On the other hand, metal oxides usually exhibit basic properties. Many are soluble in water and form metal hydroxides, such as cesium oxide (Cs2O) which in water forms cesium hydroxide (CsOH). Even those that are not soluble in water can still react with acids, showcasing their basic anhydride characteristics. Still, it's important to note that transition metal oxides can have varying properties depending on their oxidation states. Oxides with the lowest oxidation states are typically basic, the intermediate ones are amphoteric, and the highest ones tend to be acidic.