Question:

Zinc oxide is best described as which type of oxide?

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Check whether zinc oxide reacts only with acids, only with bases, or with both.
Updated On: Jul 16, 2026
  • Acidic
  • Basic
  • Neutral
  • Amphoteric
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: To classify an oxide, check how it reacts with acids and with bases.

Step 2: Zinc oxide (ZnO) reacts with acids such as hydrochloric acid to form zinc chloride and water, so it behaves like a basic oxide in that reaction.

Step 3: Zinc oxide also reacts with strong bases such as sodium hydroxide to form sodium zincate and water, so it behaves like an acidic oxide in that reaction.

Since zinc oxide reacts with both acids and bases, it is called an amphoteric oxide. The correct answer is option D.
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