Final answer:
For Mg(OH)₂, the Brønsted-Lowry bases in the given list are HCO₃- (bicarbonate), OH- (hydroxide), and CO₃²- (carbonate). These can each accept a proton, which is in line with the Brønsted-Lowry definition of a base.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks to identify the Brønsted-Lowry base in each of the following compounds when they react with Mg(OH)₂: H₂CO₃, HCO₃-, OH-, CO₃²-. According to the Brønsted-Lowry theory, a base is a substance that can accept a proton (H+). Therefore, the Brønsted-Lowry bases from the provided options would be:
HCO₃-(because it can accept a proton to become H₂CO₃)
OH-(as it can accept a proton to form water, H₂O)
CO₃²-(since it can accept a proton to become HCO₃-)
The only substance listed that cannot act as a Brønsted-Lowry base is H₂CO₃ because it is an acid that donates a proton to become HCO₃-.