Which of the following metal forms an amphoteric oxide

Options

A. Ca
B. Fe
C. Cu
D. Zn

Explanation

To determine which of the given metals forms an amphoteric oxide, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Definition of Amphoteric Oxides
Amphoteric oxides are oxides that can react with both acids and bases. This means they can neutralize both acidic and basic solutions.

### Step 2: Identify the Metals in the Options
The metals provided in the options are:
- Ca (Calcium)
- Fe (Iron)
- Cu (Copper)
- Zn (Zinc)

### Step 3: Analyze Each Metal for Amphoteric Behavior
1. **Calcium (Ca)**: Calcium oxide (CaO) is a basic oxide. It reacts with acids but not with bases.
2. **Iron (Fe)**: Iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3) is primarily an acidic oxide. It can react with bases but not with acids.
3. **Copper (Cu)**: Copper(I) oxide (Cu2O) and Copper(II) oxide (CuO) are both basic oxides. They do not react with bases.
4. **Zinc (Zn)**: Zinc oxide (ZnO) is an amphoteric oxide. It can react with both acids (like hydrochloric acid) and bases (like sodium hydroxide).

### Step 4: Conclusion
Among the given options, **Zinc (Zn)** is the metal that forms an amphoteric oxide (ZnO).

### Final Answer
The metal that forms an amphoteric oxide is **Zinc (Zn)**.

---