Multiple Choice
Which of the following species is/are amphoteric?
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17. Acid and Base Equilibrium
Amphoteric Species
Multiple Choice
As shown by the equations:
H2O + HCO3− ⇆ H3O+ + CO32−
H2O + HCO3− ⇆ H2CO3 + OH−
A
water is a base
B
water is an acid
C
water is amphoteric
D
water is neutral
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the concept of amphoteric substances: Amphoteric substances can act as either an acid or a base depending on the reaction they are involved in.
Examine the first equation: \( \text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{HCO}_3^- \rightleftharpoons \text{H}_3\text{O}^+ + \text{CO}_3^{2-} \). Here, water \( \text{H}_2\text{O} \) is acting as an acid because it donates a proton to form \( \text{H}_3\text{O}^+ \).
Examine the second equation: \( \text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{HCO}_3^- \rightleftharpoons \text{H}_2\text{CO}_3 + \text{OH}^- \). In this case, water \( \text{H}_2\text{O} \) is acting as a base because it accepts a proton to form \( \text{OH}^- \).
Conclude that water is amphoteric: Since water can act as both an acid and a base in different reactions, it is classified as amphoteric.
Understand the implications: The ability of water to act as both an acid and a base is crucial in many chemical reactions, especially in maintaining the balance of pH in biological and environmental systems.
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