Which of the following oxides is amphoteric is nature ?

Options

A. `CaO`
B. `CO_(2)`
C. `SnO_(2)`
D. `SiO_(2)`

Answer

To determine which oxide is amphoteric in nature, we need to understand what amphoteric means. An amphoteric oxide is one that can react with both acids and bases, exhibiting both acidic and basic properties.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Definition of Amphoteric Oxides**:
- Amphoteric oxides can react with both acids and bases to form salts and water. This means they can behave as either an acid or a base.

2. **Analyze Each Oxide**:
- **Calcium Oxide (CaO)**:
- When CaO reacts with water, it forms calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), which is a strong base. Therefore, CaO is basic in nature.
- **Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)**:
- CO₂ reacts with water to form carbonic acid (H₂CO₃), indicating that it is acidic in nature.
- **Silicon Dioxide (SiO₂)**:
- SiO₂ also reacts with bases but does not react with acids, making it primarily acidic.
- **Tin(IV) Oxide (SnO₂)**:
- SnO₂ can react with both acids and bases. For example, it can react with hydrochloric acid (HCl) to form tin(IV) chloride (SnCl₄) and with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to form sodium stannate (Na₂SnO₃). This behavior confirms that SnO₂ is amphoteric.

3. **Conclusion**:
- From the analysis, we find that the oxide that is amphoteric in nature is **Tin(IV) Oxide (SnO₂)**.

### Final Answer:
The amphoteric oxide among the given options is **SnO₂**.

---