2017 · Q17
In the reaction between hydrogen sulphate ion and water HSO₄⁻ + H₂O → H₃O⁺ + SO₄²⁻ the water acts as
General KnowledgeChemistry
- Aan acid
- Ba base
- Ca salt
- Dan inert medium
Explanation
In the reaction HSO₄⁻ + H₂O → H₃O⁺ + SO₄²⁻, the hydrogen sulphate ion donates a proton and is the Brønsted–Lowry acid. Water accepts that proton to form the hydronium ion H₃O⁺, so water functions as the Brønsted–Lowry base. Water is neither a salt nor an inert medium here — it is a reactant. Hence water acts as a base.