Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry · Syllabus 0620 · Acids, Bases and Salts
Amphoteric Oxide
What is Amphoteric Oxide?
An oxide that reacts with acids and also with bases, in each case producing a salt and water. Aluminium oxide and zinc oxide are the amphoteric oxides named by this syllabus.
This definition is part of the Acids, Bases and Salts chapter in Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry.
Common mistakes with Amphoteric Oxide
- “Amphoteric means neutral — it sits in the middle.” Repair The opposite. An amphoteric oxide reacts with both acids and bases to give a salt and water. A neutral oxide reacts with neither. Aluminium oxide and zinc oxide are the two you need; they are defined by evidence of reaction, never by position on a table.