Read the following and answer any four questions
When a silvery grey powder of a solid (A) is mixed with a powder of solid (B) no reaction occurs. But if the mixture is ignited and lighted using magnesium ribbon a reaction occurs with evolution of large amount of heat forming product (C) which settles down as liquid metal and the solid product (D) formed floats on the liquid (C). (C) in solid form reacts with moisture to form rust. The amount of heat generated during the reaction is so high that the reaction is used in welding of electric conductors, joints in railway tracks. Based on this information, answer any four questions
Which of the following is amphoteric in nature ?

Options

A. Both aluminium oxide and zinc oxide
B. Only zinc oxide
C. Only aluminium oxide
D. Neither of them.

Explanation

To determine which of the following is amphoteric in nature, we need to understand the definition of amphoteric substances. Amphoteric oxides are those that can react with both acids and bases.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Oxides**: We need to identify the oxides mentioned in the question. Common examples of amphoteric oxides include Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and Zinc oxide (ZnO).

2. **Understand the Reactions**: Amphoteric oxides can react with acids to form salts and water, and with bases to form complex ions.
- For example, Aluminum oxide reacts with sodium hydroxide (a base) to form sodium aluminate and water:
\[ Al_2O_3 + 2NaOH + 3H_2O \rightarrow 2NaAl(OH)_4 \]
- It also reacts with hydrochloric acid (an acid) to form aluminum chloride and water:
\[ Al_2O_3 + 6HCl \rightarrow 2AlCl_3 + 3H_2O \]

3. **Check Other Oxides**: Similarly, Zinc oxide (ZnO) also shows amphoteric behavior:
- It reacts with hydrochloric acid to form zinc chloride and water:
\[ ZnO + 2HCl \rightarrow ZnCl_2 + H_2O \]
- It reacts with sodium hydroxide to form sodium zincate and water:
\[ ZnO + 2NaOH + 2H_2O \rightarrow Na_2[Zn(OH)_4] \]

4. **Conclusion**: Both Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and Zinc oxide (ZnO) are amphoteric in nature as they can react with both acids and bases.

### Final Answer:
Both Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and Zinc oxide (ZnO) are amphoteric in nature.

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