To identify the base in the given acid-base reaction, we need to understand the role of each substance involved. In an acid-base reaction, the base is the substance that accepts protons (H⁺ ions), while the acid donates protons. The reaction given is:
[tex]\[ 2 HC_2H_3O_2 + Mg(OH)_2 \rightarrow Mg(C_2H_3O_2)_2 + 2 H_2O \][/tex]
Let's analyze each substance:
1. HC₂H₃O₂ (Acetic acid):
- Acetic acid (HC₂H₃O₂) is a common weak acid. In this reaction, it donates protons to the base.
2. Mg(OH)₂ (Magnesium hydroxide):
- Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂) is a substance that can accept protons by neutralizing the acetic acid, forming magnesium acetate and water. Therefore, it acts as the base.
3. Mg(C₂H₃O₂)₂ (Magnesium acetate):
- Magnesium acetate is a product of the neutralization reaction between acetic acid and magnesium hydroxide. It results from the combination of the base and the acid but does not participate in the initial acid-base interaction as the base.
4. H₂O (Water):
- Water is another product of the neutralization reaction, formed from the combination of hydroxide ions (OH⁻) from the base and hydrogen ions (H⁺) from the acid.
To summarize, the substance that acts as the base in this acid-base reaction is Mg(OH)₂ (Magnesium hydroxide).
