Which one of the following oxides shows both acidic and basic

Which one of the following oxides shows both acidic and basic behaviour?

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Zinc oxide

Copper oxide

Magnesium oxide

Calcium oxide

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This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2020

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Amphoteric oxides are oxides that show both acidic and basic properties. They react with acids to form salt and water, and also react with bases to form salt and water. Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a common example of an amphoteric oxide. It reacts with an acid like HCl: ZnO + 2HCl → ZnCl₂ + H₂O, and it reacts with a base like NaOH: ZnO + 2NaOH + H₂O → Na₂[Zn(OH)₄] (sodium tetrahydroxozincate).

Amphoteric oxides can react with both acids and bases.

Copper oxide (CuO), Magnesium oxide (MgO), and Calcium oxide (CaO) are typically basic oxides formed by metals. They react with acids but generally do not react with bases. For instance, MgO + 2HCl → MgCl₂ + H₂O, but MgO does not react with NaOH. Other examples of amphoteric oxides include Al₂O₃, PbO, SnO, etc.

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