Question

In the following reactions, $\mathrm{ZnO}$ is respectively acting as a/an:

(a) $\mathrm{ZnO}+{\mathrm{Na}}_2\mathrm{O}\to {\mathrm{Na}}_2{\mathrm{ZnO}}_2$

(b) $\mathrm{ZnO}+{\mathrm{CO}}_2\to {\mathrm{ZnCO}}_3$.

• A. Acid and acid
• B. Acid and base
• C. Base and acid
• D. Base and base

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Acid and base

$\mathrm{ZnO}$ is an amphoteric oxide, which means it acts as both acidic as well as basic oxide.

1. $\mathrm{ZnO}$ is acidic oxide and ${\mathrm{Na}}_2\mathrm{O}$ is a basic oxide in equation 1.
2. $\mathrm{ZnO}$ is basic oxide and ${\mathrm{CO}}_2$ is acidic oxide in equation 2.

Due to the presence of more basic group $\mathrm{ZnO}$ acts as acidic oxide but in the presence of less basic group it will act as acidic oxide.