Question:

Which from following oxides is amphoteric in nature?

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An amphoteric oxide reacts with both acids and bases.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2026
  • \(\text{BaO}\)
  • \(\text{N}_2\text{O}_5\)
  • \(\text{CO}_2\)
  • \(\text{Al}_2\text{O}_3\)
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
An amphoteric oxide shows both acidic and basic behaviour, reacting with acids to give salts and with bases to give salts too.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation of the keyed option:
Aluminium oxide, \(\text{Al}_2\text{O}_3\), reacts with acid:
\[ \text{Al}_2\text{O}_3 + 6\text{HCl} \to 2\text{AlCl}_3 + 3\text{H}_2\text{O} \]
and with alkali:
\[ \text{Al}_2\text{O}_3 + 2\text{NaOH} + 3\text{H}_2\text{O} \to 2\text{Na[Al(OH)}_4\text{]} \]
So it is amphoteric.

Step 3: Why the other options are wrong.
\(\text{BaO}\) (A) is a strongly basic oxide of an alkaline earth metal. \(\text{N}_2\text{O}_5\) (B) is an acidic oxide of a nonmetal that forms nitric acid with water. \(\text{CO}_2\) (C) is also acidic and gives carbonic acid with water.

Final Answer:
Aluminium oxide is amphoteric, option (D). \[ \boxed{\text{Al}_2\text{O}_3 \text{ (D)}} \]
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