Amphoteric oxides react with both acids and bases

Steps:

• Define amphoteric oxide as one that behaves as both acidic and basic.
• Examine oxides formed by each element with oxygen.
• Test oxide properties: solubility in acids/bases or reaction examples.
• Identify the oxide matching amphoteric behavior.

Why D is correct:

• Zinc forms ZnO, which dissolves in acids (ZnO + 2HCl → ZnCl₂ + H₂O) and bases (ZnO + 2NaOH → Na₂ZnO₂ + H₂O), per amphoteric definition.

Why the others are wrong:

• A. Carbon forms CO₂, an acidic oxide that reacts with bases but not acids.
• B. Copper forms CuO, a basic oxide that reacts with acids but not bases.
• C. Sulfur forms SO₂, an acidic oxide that reacts with bases but not acids.

Final answer: D