Acidic oxides are compounds formed when nonmetals react with oxygen. These oxides typically react with water to produce acids, such as when sulfur dioxide combines with water to form sulfuric acid. Common examples of acidic oxides include carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and phosphorus pentoxide. These oxides can also react with bases in a neutralization reaction, producing salts and water. Acidic oxides are important in various environmental and industrial processes, contributing to phenomena like acid rain when they enter the atmosphere and react with moisture.