# Describe what happens when a metal oxide reacts with a dilute acid, and explain why the product formed is called a salt.

> WJEC GCSE Chemistry (Wales) — 2.2 Acids, bases and salts · Describe · 4 marks

> Metal oxides are bases. When they react with acids, two products are formed.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. A metal oxide (base) reacts with a dilute acid in a neutralisation reaction
2. A salt and water are produced / formed
3. The salt is named from the metal in the base / metal oxide
4. The salt is named from the acid used — e.g. hydrochloric acid produces a chloride salt / sulfuric acid produces a sulfate salt / nitric acid produces a nitrate salt

## Key terms

- [salt](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/salt)
- [metal oxide](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/metal-oxide)
- [dilute acid](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/dilute-acid)

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC GCSE Chemistry (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-what-happens-when-a-metal-06fe3779) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.