Although metals form basic oxides, which of the following metals form an amphoteric oxide?

Question

Question

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RRB JE CBT I - (Held On: 1 June 2019 Shift 3)

Answer 1

The correct answer is Al

Key Points

Aluminum (Al) forms an amphoteric oxide, which means it can react with both acids and bases to form salts and water.
Amphoteric oxides are a characteristic of some metals, and they are unique because they exhibit both basic and acidic properties.
Other metals in the options provided, such as sodium (Na), copper (Cu), and calcium (Ca), form oxides that are predominantly basic.

Additional Information

Amphoteric behavior is due to the metal having an intermediate electronegativity and the ability to form stable bonds with both hydrogen and hydroxide ions.
Examples of amphoteric oxides include aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) and zinc oxide (ZnO).
Aluminum oxide reacts with hydrochloric acid (HCl) to form aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) and water, and with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to form sodium aluminate (NaAlO₂) and water.