Short Answer:

Nonmetals react with oxygen to form acidic oxides or neutral oxides depending on the element. These oxides often dissolve in water to produce acids. For example, sulfur reacts with oxygen to form sulfur dioxide (SO₂), which forms sulfurous acid in water.

Oxygen reacts more readily with some nonmetals at high temperatures. These reactions are important in chemical industries, environmental processes, and biological systems. Nonmetal oxides are generally non-conductive, volatile, and contribute to acidity in soils and water.

Detailed Explanation:

Reaction of Nonmetals with Oxygen

Nonmetals are elements that tend to gain or share electrons rather than lose them. When nonmetals react with oxygen, they form compounds known as nonmetal oxides. These oxides are usually acidic in nature and behave differently from metallic oxides, which are basic. The reaction depends on the type of nonmetal and the environmental conditions, such as temperature and pressure.

Types of Nonmetal Oxides

1. Acidic Oxides:
   • Nonmetals like sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus react with oxygen to form acidic oxides.
   • These oxides react with water to produce acids:
     • Sulfur + Oxygen → Sulfur dioxide (SO₂)
       SO₂ + H₂O → H₂SO₃ (sulfurous acid)
     • Nitrogen + Oxygen → Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)
       2NO₂ + H₂O → HNO₂ + HNO₃ (nitrous and nitric acids)
     • Phosphorus + Oxygen → Phosphorus pentoxide (P₄O₁₀)
       P₄O₁₀ + 6H₂O → 4H₃PO₄ (phosphoric acid)
2. Neutral Oxides:
   • Some nonmetals form neutral oxides that are neither acidic nor basic.
   • Example: Carbon monoxide (CO) is neutral:
     C + ½O₂ → CO

Factors Affecting Reaction

1. Temperature:
   • Nonmetals generally react with oxygen at high temperatures.
   • Example: Sulfur burns in air to form SO₂.
2. Element Reactivity:
   • Highly reactive nonmetals like fluorine react vigorously with oxygen, while less reactive ones like nitrogen require high energy conditions.

Properties of Nonmetal Oxides

1. Acidic Nature:
   • Most nonmetal oxides dissolve in water to form acids, contributing to acid rain.
2. Low Melting and Boiling Points:
   • Nonmetal oxides are usually gases or volatile solids at room temperature.
3. Poor Conductivity:
   • Nonmetal oxides do not conduct electricity because they lack free electrons.

Practical Applications

1. Industrial Use:
   • Sulfur dioxide is used in bleaching and as a preservative.
   • Nitrogen oxides are used in fertilizer production and explosives.
2. Environmental Importance:
   • Oxygen reacts with carbon and nitrogen to form CO₂ and NO₂, which are important in the carbon and nitrogen cycles.
3. Laboratory Use:
   • Nonmetal oxides are used in chemical reactions, acid production, and experiments to study acidity and oxidation.

Summary

Nonmetals react with oxygen to form acidic or neutral oxides, depending on the element and conditions. These reactions often produce acids upon contact with water and are important in industry, environment, and biological cycles. The reactivity depends on temperature, element type, and molecular structure.

Conclusion:

The reaction of nonmetals with oxygen is a fundamental chemical process that produces oxides with acidic or neutral properties. These oxides are widely used in industrial applications, environmental cycles, and chemical processes, highlighting the importance of nonmetals in chemistry and life.