JAMB Chemistry 2022 Paper

Concept:Most non-metals form acidic oxides, but carbon can form neutral oxides like carbon monoxide.Explanation:Acidic oxides react with bases to form salt and water.Phosphorus forms $\mathrm{P}_2\mathrm{O}_5$ and $\mathrm{P}_4\mathrm{O}_{10}$, which are acidic oxides.Sulphur forms $\mathrm{SO}_2$ and $\mathrm{SO}_3$, which are acidic oxides.Chlorine forms acidic oxides such as $\mathrm{Cl}_2\mathrm{O}$ and $\mathrm{Cl}_2\mathrm{O}_7$.Carbon forms $\mathrm{CO}_2$, an acidic oxide, but it also forms $\mathrm{CO}$, which is a neutral oxide.Carbon monoxide neither reacts with acids nor with bases, so it is classified as a neutral oxide.Therefore, carbon is the non-metal that does not always form acidic oxides with oxygen.Answer:C. carbon