Consider the oxides of group 14 elements SiO2, GeO2, SnO2, PbO2, CO and GeO. The amphoteric oxides are
- SnO2, CO
- SiO2, GeO2
- SnO2, PbO2
- GeO, GeO2
Answer
(3) SnO2, PbO2
Solution
Down group 14, metallic character increases ⇒ oxides change from acidic to amphoteric.
SiO2, GeO2: acidic
SnO2, PbO2: amphoteric (dissolve in acids and in alkalis)
CO: neutral; GeO: distinctly acidic
∵ Only SnO2 and PbO2 are amphoteric
Answer: (3)