Final answer:
SeO2 is an acidic oxide as it is more towards the upper right in the periodic table, while TeO2 is amphoteric, reacting with both acids and bases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The oxides of selenium(IV) and tellurium(IV), SeO2 and TeO2, have different properties concerning their reactions with acids and bases. SeO2 tends to be more acidic, reacting with water to form an acidic solution but does not exhibit significant basic reactions. On the other hand, TeO2 is amphoteric, meaning it can react with both acids and bases to form a soluble complex ion or water.
Considering the position of selenium and tellurium in the periodic table, selenium is more up and towards the right, which tends to indicate more acidic oxides, while tellurium's position further down means its oxides are more likely to be amphoteric. This correlates with Figure 16.4.3 from our reference, which illustrates a transition from basic to acidic oxides across the periodic table, with amphoteric oxides lying in a diagonal band separating the two extremes.