Question 24
Hydrogen, Oxygen and OxidesFrom the reactions. ZnO + Na2O → Na2ZnO2 and ZnO + CO2 → ZnCO3 it may be concluded that zinc oxide is
- A.neutral
- B.basic
- C.acidic
- D.amphoteric
- E.a mixture
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: D (amphoteric)
Explanation
ZnO reacts with the basic oxide Na2O (acting as an acid) and with the acidic oxide CO2 (acting as a base). An oxide that does both is amphoteric.