Which is an amphoteric oxide ?

Options

A. `SO_(2)`
B. `B_(2)O_(3)`
C. `ZnO`
D. `Na_(2)O`

Answer

To determine which oxide is amphoteric, we need to understand the definition of an amphoteric oxide. An amphoteric oxide is one that can react with both acids and bases to form salts and water.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Definition of Amphoteric Oxide**:
- An amphoteric oxide is an oxide that can react with both acids and bases.

2. **Consider Examples of Oxides**:
- Common amphoteric oxides include zinc oxide (ZnO), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and lead(II) oxide (PbO).

3. **Analyze Zinc Oxide (ZnO)**:
- **Reaction with Acid**: When zinc oxide reacts with hydrochloric acid (HCl), it forms zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and water (H2O).
- Reaction: ZnO + 2 HCl → ZnCl2 + H2O
- **Reaction with Base**: When zinc oxide reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), it forms sodium zincate (Na2ZnO2) and water.
- Reaction: ZnO + 2 NaOH + 2 H2O → Na2ZnO2 + 2 H2O

4. **Conclusion**:
- Since zinc oxide can react with both an acid and a base to produce salts and water, it is classified as an amphoteric oxide.

5. **Final Answer**:
- The amphoteric oxide among the options is **Zinc Oxide (ZnO)**.