Cambridge O Level Chemistry · Syllabus 5070 · 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 O Level 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.
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