Question

Which compounds are acting like Brønsted-Lowry acids in the following acid-base equilibrium?

HCO3− + H2O H2CO3 and OH−

Answer 1

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.