To determine which of the given hydroxides is amphoteric, we need to understand what amphoteric substances are. An amphoteric substance can react with both acids and bases. In the context of hydroxides, only certain metal hydroxides possess this property.
Looking at the options provided:
- \(Sr(OH)_2\): Strontium hydroxide is a strong base and does not exhibit amphoteric behavior. It primarily reacts with acids.
- \(Ca(OH)_2\): Calcium hydroxide is also a strong base and reacts with acids. It does not show amphoteric properties.
- \(Mg(OH)_2\): Magnesium hydroxide is a weak base and it mainly reacts with acids, not considered amphoteric.
- \(Be(OH)_2\): Beryllium hydroxide is amphoteric. It can react with acids to form beryllium salts and with bases to form beryllate ions.
The correct answer is \(Be(OH)_2\) as it can react with both acids and bases. The reactions are as follows:
- Reaction with acid: \(Be(OH)_2 + 2HCl \rightarrow BeCl_2 + 2H_2O\)
- Reaction with base: \(Be(OH)_2 + 2OH^- \rightarrow Be(OH)_4^{2-}\)
This dual ability to react with both acids and bases makes \(Be(OH)_2\) an amphoteric hydroxide.