LIFE SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Water is amphoteric, that is it can self-ionize, breaking down into an acidic hydrogen ion (H+) and a hydroxyl ion (OH–), chemically a base. Because of its polarity and its ability to be amphoteric, water is a universal solvent-a chemical that can dissolve a wide range of other chemicals.

Detailed explanation-2: -Amphoteric Oxides have features of acidic as well as basic oxides that neutralize both acids and bases.” Amphoteric oxides dissolve in water to form alkaline solutions. Alkaline solutions contain hydroxide ions. Thus aluminium oxide (Al2O3) reacts with hydrochloric acid to form aluminium chloride and water.

Detailed explanation-3: -Examples of Amphoterism For example, consider the amphoterism of water (H2O): Water accepts a proton when reacted with an acid, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl). Water donates a proton when it reacts with a base, such as ammonia (NH3).

Detailed explanation-4: -Water is an amphiprotic solvent since its molecules undergo ionization, donating and accepting protons, Fig. 6.

Detailed explanation-5: -The water molecule has hydrogen atoms so it can act as an acid in a reaction. The oxygen atom in the water molecule has two lone pairs which could accept H+ therefore, the water molecule could act as a base in a reaction. Hence its nature is amphoteric.