alleryWhich of the following metal oxides is amphoteric (reacts with both acids and bases)?
AAluminium oxide (Al₂O₃)
BSodium oxide (Na₂O)
CMagnesium oxide (MgO)
DCopper oxide (CuO)
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. Aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃)
1. Most metal oxides are basic (Na₂O, MgO, CuO react only with acids).
2. syllabus names Al₂O₃ and ZnO as amphoteric — they react with BOTH acids and bases.
3. Al₂O₃ + 6 HCl → 2 AlCl₃ + 3 H₂O (acidic behaviour).
4. Al₂O₃ + 2 NaOH → 2 NaAlO₂ + H₂O (basic behaviour).
_Source: syllabus Science, Ch 3 "Metals and Non-metals", §3.2_
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