oxides

Oxides are chemical compounds made when oxygen combines with other elements or metals. They are found naturally in many forms, such as rust (iron oxide) or carbon dioxide (a gas). Oxides can be solid, liquid, or gas, depending on the elements involved and conditions. They often give materials specific properties, like the corrosion of metals or the formation of minerals. In everyday life, oxides are common in products like ceramics, paints, and fuels. Understanding oxides is important in fields like geology, chemistry, and environmental science, as they influence processes like oxidation, corrosion, and earth’s atmospheric composition.