(a) The hydrogen carbonate ion \(\left(\mathrm{HCO}_{3}^{-}\right)\) is amphiprotic. Write a balanced chemical equation showing how it acts as an acid toward water and another equation showing how it acts as a base toward water.

Short Answer

Expert verified
When the hydrogen carbonate ion, HCO₃⁻, acts as an acid, it donates a proton (H⁺) to a water molecule, resulting in the formation of a hydronium ion (H₃O⁺) and the carbonate ion (CO₃²⁻): \(HCO_3^- + H_2O \rightarrow H_3O^+ + CO_3^{2-}\) When acting as a base, HCO₃⁻ accepts a proton (H⁺) from a water molecule, forming a hydroxide ion (OH⁻) and carbonic acid (H₂CO₃): \(HCO_3^- + H_2O \rightarrow OH^- + H_2CO_3\)

Step by step solution

01

Write the equation for the hydrogen carbonate ion acting as an acid

When HCO₃⁻ acts as an acid, it donates a proton (H⁺) to a water molecule. This results in the formation of a hydronium ion (H₃O⁺) and the carbonate ion (CO₃²⁻). The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is: \(HCO_3^- + H_2O \rightarrow H_3O^+ + CO_3^{2-}\)
02

Write the equation for the hydrogen carbonate ion acting as a base

When HCO₃⁻ acts as a base, it accepts a proton (H⁺) from a water molecule. This results in the formation of a hydroxide ion (OH⁻) and carbonic acid (H₂CO₃). The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is: \(HCO_3^- + H_2O \rightarrow OH^- + H_2CO_3\) In conclusion, we have demonstrated the amphiprotic behavior of the hydrogen carbonate ion through the two balanced chemical equations presented above.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Which, if any, of the following statements are true? (a) The stronger the base, the smaller the \(\mathrm{p} K_{b}\). (b) The stronger the base, the larger the \(\mathrm{p} K_{b}\). (c) The stronger the base, the smaller the \(K_{b}\). (d) The stronger the base, the larger the \(K_{b}\). (e) The stronger the base, the smaller the \(\mathrm{p} K_{a}\) of its conjugate acid. (f) The stronger the base, the larger the \(\mathrm{p} K_{a}\) of its conjugate acid.

Using data from Appendix \(D\), calculate \(p O H\) and \(p H\) for each (a) \(0.080 M\) potassium hypobromite of the following solutions: \((\mathrm{KBrO}),\) (b) \(0.150 \mathrm{M}\) potassium hydrosulfide \((\mathrm{KHS}),(\mathbf{c})\) a mixture that is \(0.25 \mathrm{M}\) in potassium nitrite \(\left(\mathrm{KNO}_{2}\right)\) and \(0.15 \mathrm{M}\) in magnesium nitrite \(\left(\mathrm{Mg}\left(\mathrm{NO}_{2}\right)_{2}\right)\).

The odor of fish is due primarily to amines, especially methylamine \(\left(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{NH}_{2}\right)\). Fish is often served with a wedge of lemon, which contains citric acid. The amine and the acid react forming a product with no odor, thereby making the less-than-fresh fish more appetizing. Using data from Appendix \(D\), calculate the equilibrium constant for the reaction of citric acid with methylamine, if only the first proton of the citric acid \(\left(K_{a 1}\right)\) is important in the neutralization reaction.

Predict which member of each pair produces the more acidic aqueous solution: (a) \(\mathrm{K}^{+}\) or \(\mathrm{Cu}^{2+}\), (b) \(\mathrm{Fe}^{2+}\) or \(\mathrm{Fe}^{3+}\) (c) \(\mathrm{Al}^{3+}\) or \(\mathrm{Ga}^{3+}\)

If a solution of hydrofluoric acid $\left(\mathrm{HF} ; K_{a}=6.8 \times 10^{-4}\right)\( has a \)\mathrm{pH}$ of 2.12 , calculate the concentration of hydrofluoric acid.

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free