Question

Given the balanced equation representing a reaction: HCl + H₂O → H₃O⁺ + Cl⁻ The water molecule acts as a base because it

donates an H⁺
accepts an H⁺
donates an OH⁻
accepts and OH⁻

Answer 1

accepts an H⁺

Step-by-step explanation:

The following balanced ionic equation is given in this question;

HCl + H₂O → H₃O⁺ + Cl⁻

According to Brønsted–Lowry acid–base theory, a base is any substance that can accept hydrogen ions or protons (H+). Using this definition for the above equation, water (H2O) accepts a proton or H+ that was donated by HCl to form H30+ (hydronium ion), hence, water is acting as a BASE in this reaction because it accepts an H+.