Q. Which one of the following oxides is amphoteric in character?
A) $SnO_{2}$
B) $SiO_{2}$
C) $CO_{2}$
D) $CaO$
Explanation
(a)
A species is amphoteric if it is soluble in acid (behaves as a base) as well as in base (behaves as an acid.)
$SnO_{2} + 4HCl \rightarrow SnCl_{4} + 2H_{2}O$
basic acid
$SnO_{2} + 2NaOH \rightarrow Na_{2}SnO_{3} + H_{2}O$
acid base
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.