(a) Metals react with oxygen to form metallic oxides. These metallic oxides are basic because they react with water to form bases. For example, Magnesium is a metal and magnesium oxide is basic in nature.

(b) Nonmetals react with oxygen to form nonmetallic oxides. These oxides differ from metallic oxides because they are acidic in nature. Nonmetallic oxides react with water to form acids. For example, Sulphur is a nonmetal. Sulphur dioxide is acidic in nature.