Question

Zinc oxide is a metal oxide. Which of the following term best describes the nature of zinc oxide:

Options

• an acidic oxide

• a basic oxide

• an amphoteric oxide

• a neutral oxide

Answer 1

An amphoteric oxide

Explanation:

An amphoteric oxide is a metal oxide that exhibits both acidic and basic behaviours. Although most metal oxides are basic, zinc oxide (ZnO) is a unique exception that reacts with both acids (like hydrochloric acid) and strong bases (like sodium hydroxide) to form salt and water. This dual chemical property allows it to effectively neutralise both acidic and alkaline solutions.