Chemistry: Fundamentals and Principles
Davidson

Identify the Brønsted-Lowry acid and base in each of the reactions.

[tex]\[
\begin{array}{c}
HF + H_2O \longrightarrow H_3O^+ + F^- \\
H_2O + H_2CO_3 \longrightarrow H_3O^+ + HCO_3^-
\end{array}
\][/tex]

Answer Bank
Base [tex]$\square$[/tex]
Acid [tex]$\square$[/tex]



Answer :

Sure, let's identify the Brønsted-Lowry acid and base in each of the given reactions step by step.

### Reaction 1: HF + H₂O → H₃O⁺ + F⁻

1. Identification of Proton (H⁺) Transfer:
In this reaction, HF (hydrofluoric acid) interacts with H₂O (water) and forms H₃O⁺ (hydronium ion) and F⁻ (fluoride ion).

2. Determine the Donor:
- HF donates a proton (H⁺) to H₂O.
- Therefore, HF is donating a proton.

3. Determine the Acceptor:
- H₂O accepts a proton (H⁺) from HF.
- Therefore, H₂O is accepting a proton.

4. Assign Roles:
- A Brønsted-Lowry acid is a proton donor.
- A Brønsted-Lowry base is a proton acceptor.

Hence, in reaction 1:
- Acid: HF (because it donates H⁺)
- Base: H₂O (because it accepts H⁺)

### Reaction 2: H₂O + H₂CO₃ → H₃O⁺ + HCO₃⁻

1. Identification of Proton (H⁺) Transfer:
In this reaction, H₂O (water) interacts with H₂CO₃ (carbonic acid) and forms H₃O⁺ (hydronium ion) and HCO₃⁻ (bicarbonate ion).

2. Determine the Donor:
- H₂CO₃ donates a proton (H⁺) to H₂O.
- Therefore, H₂CO₃ is donating a proton.

3. Determine the Acceptor:
- H₂O accepts a proton (H⁺) from H₂CO₃.
- Therefore, H₂O is accepting a proton.

4. Assign Roles:
- A Brønsted-Lowry acid is a proton donor.
- A Brønsted-Lowry base is a proton acceptor.

Hence, in reaction 2:
- Acid: H₂CO₃ (because it donates H⁺)
- Base: H₂O (because it accepts H⁺)

### Summary:
- For the reaction HF + H₂O → H₃O⁺ + F⁻:
- Acid: HF
- Base: H₂O

- For the reaction H₂O + H₂CO₃ → H₃O⁺ + HCO₃⁻:
- Acid: H₂CO₃
- Base: H₂O

This completes the identification of the Brønsted-Lowry acids and bases for each reaction.