The correct option is **C. Amphoteric Oxide**. ### Detailed Explanation: 1. **Understanding Oxides**: Oxides are compounds formed when elements react with oxygen. They can be classified based on their chemical behavior with acids and bases into four categories: basic oxides, acidic oxides, amphoteric oxides, and neutral oxides. 2. **Zinc Oxide (ZnO)**: Zinc oxide is a white powder that is commonly used in various applications, including sunscreens, ointments, and as a pigment. To classify zinc oxide, we need to examine its behavior in reactions with acids and bases. 3. **Amphoteric Nature**: An amphoteric oxide is one that can react with both acids and bases. This means that it can exhibit both acidic and basic properties depending on the conditions of the reaction. - **Reaction with Acids**: When zinc oxide reacts with an acid, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl), it behaves as a basic oxide: \[ \text{ZnO} + 2\text{HCl} \rightarrow \text{ZnCl}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O} \] In this reaction, zinc oxide neutralizes the acid, forming zinc chloride and water. - **Reaction with Bases**: Conversely, when zinc oxide reacts with a strong base, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH), it behaves as an acidic oxide: \[ \text{ZnO} + 2\text{NaOH} + 2\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{Na}_2\text{Zn(OH)}_4 \] Here, zinc oxide reacts with sodium hydroxide to form a zincate ion, demonstrating its ability to react with a base. 4. **Why Other Options Are Incorrect**: - **A. Basic Oxide**: While zinc oxide can react with acids, it is not exclusively a basic oxide because it can also react with bases. Basic oxides only react with acids and do not have the ability to react with bases. - **B. Acidic Oxide**: Similar to the basic oxide classification, zinc oxide does not solely act as an acidic oxide. Acidic oxides react with bases but do not react with acids, which is not the case for zinc oxide. - **D. Neutral Oxide**: Neutral oxides do not react with either acids or bases. Examples include carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxide (NO). Zinc oxide, however, does react with both, which disqualifies it from being a neutral oxide. ### Summary of Key Points: - Zinc oxide (ZnO) is classified as an **amphoteric oxide** because it can react with both acids and bases. - It demonstrates basic properties by reacting with acids and acidic properties by reacting with bases. - Other classifications (basic, acidic, neutral) do not accurately describe zinc oxide's behavior in chemical reactions. ### Revision Summary: - Zinc oxide is an **amphoteric oxide**. - It reacts with acids to form salts and water, and with bases to form complex ions. - Basic oxides only react with acids, while acidic oxides only react with bases. - Neutral oxides do not react with either acids or bases.