Which term defines Amphoteric?

Which term defines Amphoteric?

• A. Basic
• B. Amphiprotic
• C. Amphoteric
• D. Acidic

Answer: (C)

Amphoteric substances can behave as both acids and bases in different reactions. This dual behavior comes from the ability to donate a proton in some contexts and accept a proton in others, or more generally to act as either a Brønsted–Lowry acid or base depending on the partner. A classic example is water: with a strong acid like HCl, water acts as a base and accepts a proton to form H3O+. With a strong base like NH3, water donates a proton to NH3, forming NH4+ and OH−, acting as an acid. Amphiprotic is a related idea, describing species that can donate or accept a proton, but amphoteric is the broader label for this acid–base versatility. Therefore, the term that defines the concept is amphoteric.

Amphoteric substances can behave as both acids and bases in different reactions. This dual behavior comes from the ability to donate a proton in some contexts and accept a proton in others, or more generally to act as either a Brønsted–Lowry acid or base depending on the partner. A classic example is water: with a strong acid like HCl, water acts as a base and accepts a proton to form H3O+. With a strong base like NH3, water donates a proton to NH3, forming NH4+ and OH−, acting as an acid. Amphiprotic is a related idea, describing species that can donate or accept a proton, but amphoteric is the broader label for this acid–base versatility. Therefore, the term that defines the concept is amphoteric.