Question

In the reaction between hydrogen sulphate ion and water \(HSO^ -_4 +H_2O \longrightarrow H_3O+SO^ {2-}_4\) water acts as 

(a) an acid 

(b) a base 

(c) a salt 

(d) an inert medium

Answer 1

(b) a base 

As per the concept, acid is defined as a substance which has the tendency to give a proton while base is defined as a substance which has a tendency to accept a proton.

In the reaction, water accepts proton, Hence it acts as a base.