Copper(II) oxide and carbon monoxide are both oxides. Describe how each oxide behaves chemically and state the classification of each.

Cambridge International IGCSE Chemistry (0620) — 7.2 Oxides · Describe · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

Copper(II) oxide reacts with acids to give a copper salt and water; it is a basic oxide.
Carbon monoxide does not react with acids or bases and does not neutralise them; it is a neutral oxide.

Examiner tips

  • Use the word ‘reacts’ for copper(II) oxide and ‘does not react’ for CO; include the products (salt and water).
  • Mention the classification (basic vs neutral) immediately after the behaviour.
  • Keep each point short – one sentence per point.

Common mistakes

  • Writing that CO reacts with acids or bases; CO is inert in this context.
  • Calling CO a ‘reducing’ or ‘acidic’ oxide; it is neutral.
  • Omitting the products (salt and water) for copper(II) oxide.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Copper(II) oxide reacts with acids (to form a salt and water)
  2. Copper(II) oxide is classified as a basic oxide
  3. Carbon monoxide does not react with acids or bases / does not neutralise acids or bases
  4. Carbon monoxide is classified as a neutral oxide

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