Here's why:

* Amphoteric nature: A substance is amphoteric if it can act as both an acid and a base.

* Ga₂O₃ as a base: It reacts with acids to form salts and water, exhibiting basic behavior.

* Ga₂O₃ as an acid: It reacts with strong bases to form gallates, exhibiting acidic behavior.

Example Reactions:

* Basic behavior:

* Ga₂O₃ + 6HCl → 2GaCl₃ + 3H₂O

* Acidic behavior:

* Ga₂O₃ + 2NaOH → 2NaGaO₂ + H₂O

Therefore, gallium oxide's ability to react with both acids and bases classifies it as an amphoteric compound.