Question:easy

Identify amphoteric oxide from following.

Show Hint

The most common amphoteric oxides tested in standard chemistry exams are those of Aluminum ($\text{Al}_2\text{O}_3$), Zinc (ZnO), Lead (PbO, $\text{PbO}_2$), and Tin (SnO, $\text{SnO}_2$). Keep this short list memorized!
Updated On: Jun 8, 2026
  • $\text{SO}_3$
  • $\text{Na}_2\text{O}$
  • $\text{N}_2\text{O}$
  • $\text{Al}_2\text{O}_3$
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: What amphoteric means.
An amphoteric oxide can behave both as an acid and as a base. It dissolves in strong acids and also in strong bases.
Step 2: Check $\text{SO}_3$.
Sulfur is a non-metal, and its oxide is acidic. With water it gives sulfuric acid, so it is not amphoteric.
Step 3: Check $\text{Na}_2\text{O}$.
Sodium is a very reactive metal, and its oxide is strongly basic. So it is not amphoteric.
Step 4: Check $\text{N}_2\text{O}$.
Nitrous oxide is a neutral oxide. It does not react with acids or bases at all, so it is not amphoteric.
Step 5: Check $\text{Al}_2\text{O}_3$.
Aluminium oxide reacts with acids like HCl to give $\text{Al}^{3+}$ salts, and also with bases like NaOH to give aluminate ions. Reacting with both means it is amphoteric.
Step 6: Final choice.
The amphoteric oxide is $\text{Al}_2\text{O}_3$, which is option 4.
\[ \boxed{\text{Al}_2\text{O}_3} \]
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