Which one of the following is an amphoteric oxide?

[amp_mcq option1=”MgO” option2=”P₄O₁₀” option3=”Na₂O” option4=”Al₂O₃” correct=”option4″]

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UPSC CDS-1 – 2024

An amphoteric oxide is one that exhibits both acidic and basic properties, meaning it can react with both acids and bases to form salts. Aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) is a common example of an amphoteric oxide. It reacts with acids like HCl to form aluminium chloride and water (basic behaviour) and with bases like NaOH to form sodium aluminate (acidic behaviour).

Amphoteric oxides react with both acids and bases. Aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) is an amphoteric oxide.

MgO (Magnesium oxide) and Na₂O (Sodium oxide) are basic oxides, typical of alkali and alkaline earth metal oxides. P₄O₁₀ (Phosphorus pentoxide) is an acidic oxide, typical of non-metal oxides, reacting with water to form phosphoric acid and with bases to form phosphates.

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