Question

Aluminium oxide is an amphoteric oxide. Why?

Answer 1

Amphoteric Oxides are those oxides which show the characteristics of both acids as well as Bases.

Aluminium oxide is an Amphoteric oxide because Aluminium oxide (Al2O3) shows the characteristics of both Acids and Bases.

Aluminium oxide when reacts with an acid, it forms the Aluminium salt of the acid and water.

This indicates us that Aluminium oxide acts as a base because it neutralizes the acid in the reaction to form salt and water.

$al_2o_3 \: + 6hcl \: \longrightarrow \: 2alcl_3 + 3h_2o$

Now,

When aluminum oxide reacts with a base, it again forms a salt and water. This indicates that Aluminium oxide is Acidic in nature as it neutralizes the base in the reaction.

The equation includes :-

$al_2o_3 + 2naoh \: \longrightarrow \: 2naalo_2 + h_2o$

In this reaction,

Formation of Sodium meta aluminate takes place along with water.

That is why, Aluminium oxide is referred as Amphoteric oxide.

Formation of Aluminium oxide :-

$4al(s) + 3o_2(g) \: \longrightarrow \: 2al_2o_3(s)$

Answer 2

Answer:

Aluminium oxide is called Amphoteric oxide because it has both acidic and basic properties. Because it reacts with both acids and bases to produce salts and water . Aluminium oxide is considered as amphoteric oxide as it reacts with both acidic and basic mediums.

Explanation: