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11 grade chemistry others

Which of the following oxides is amphoteric in character?(A) CaO(B) C{{O}_{2}}(C) Si{{O}_{2}}(D) Sn{{O}_{2}}

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1 Year agoGrade
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1 Answer

Profile image of Askiitians Tutor Team
1 Year ago

An amphoteric oxide is one that can act as both an acid and a base, depending on the reaction conditions. Among the options provided:

(A) CaO (Calcium oxide) - This oxide is basic in nature, reacting with water to form calcium hydroxide, so it is not amphoteric.
(B) CO2 (Carbon dioxide) - This oxide is acidic, forming carbonic acid when dissolved in water, so it is not amphoteric.
(C) SiO2 (Silicon dioxide) - This oxide, while it can react with strong bases to form silicates, it doesn't show significant acidic or basic properties in typical aqueous conditions, so it is not amphoteric.
(D) SnO2 (Tin(IV) oxide) - This oxide is amphoteric. It can react with both acids and bases. With strong acids, it can form tin salts, and with strong bases, it can form stannates.

Therefore, the correct answer is (D) SnO2.