In some foam-type fire extinguishers, the reactants are `Al_2 (SO_4)_3`
(aq) and `NaHCO_3` (aq). When the extinguisher is activated, these reactants are allowed to mix producing `Al(OH)_(3(s))` and ` CO_(2(g))`.
The ` Al (OH)_3 - CO_2` foam extinguishes the fires .
Addition of `Na_2 CO_3` to a solution of an oxide in ester produces
`CO_2`. This experiment indicates that :

Options

A. the oxide is that of non-metal
B. the oxide is amphoteric
C. the oxide is basic
D. the oxide is neutral

Answer

To solve the question, we need to analyze the reaction taking place in the foam-type fire extinguishers and the subsequent addition of sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) to a solution of an oxide in ester that produces carbon dioxide (CO2).

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Reactants and Products**:
- The reactants in the fire extinguisher are aluminum sulfate (Al2(SO4)3) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3).
- The products of the reaction are aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3) and carbon dioxide (CO2).

2. **Write the Balanced Chemical Equation**:
- The reaction can be represented as:
\[ Al_2(SO_4)_3 (aq) + 6 NaHCO_3 (aq) \rightarrow 2 Al(OH)_3 (s) + 3 CO_2 (g) + 3 Na_2SO_4 (aq) \]

3. **Understand the Role of CO2**:
- The CO2 produced forms a foam with Al(OH)3, which helps in extinguishing fires. The production of CO2 indicates an acid-base reaction.

4. **Analyze the Second Part of the Question**:
- The addition of Na2CO3 to a solution of an oxide in ester produces CO2. This suggests that the oxide must be acidic in nature since Na2CO3 is a basic compound.

5. **Determine the Nature of the Oxide**:
- The oxide must be able to react with the base (Na2CO3) to produce CO2. This is characteristic of non-metal oxides, which are typically acidic.
- Amphoteric oxides can react with both acids and bases, basic oxides would not produce CO2 with Na2CO3, and neutral oxides do not react with acids or bases to produce CO2.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the oxide in question is likely to be an oxide of a non-metal, which is acidic in nature and can react with a base like Na2CO3 to produce CO2.

### Final Answer:
The oxide is that of a non-metal.