178k views
4 votes
Which compounds are acting like Brønsted-Lowry acids in the following acid-base equilibrium?

HCO3− + H2O H2CO3 and OH−

User Pjulien
by
7.8k points

1 Answer

1 vote

Answer:

H₂O and H₂CO₃

Step-by-step explanation:

Per the Brønsted-Lowry theory, an acid is a substance that can donate a proton to another substance.


\text{HCO}_(3)^(-) + \underbrace{\hbox{H$_(2)$O }}_{\hbox{acid}} \, \rightleftharpoons \, \underbrace{\hbox{H$_(2)$CO$_(3)$}}_{\hbox{acid}} + \,\text{OH}^(-)

In the forward reaction, the water acts as a Brønsted-Lowry acid. It donates a proton to the bicarbonate ion and converts it to carbonic acid.

In the reverse reaction, the carbonic acid acts as a Brønsted-Lowry acid. It donates a proton to the hydroxide ion and converts it to water.

User Maryisdead
by
8.0k points
Welcome to QAmmunity.org, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of our community.