In the reaction between hydrogen sulphate ion and water
HSO₄⁻ + H₂O → H₃O⁺ + SO₄²⁻
the water acts as
[amp_mcq option1=”an acid” option2=”a base” option3=”a salt” option4=”an inert medium” correct=”option2″]
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2017
The correct option is B) a base.
In the given reaction, HSO₄⁻ + H₂O → H₃O⁺ + SO₄²⁻, the hydrogen sulphate ion (HSO₄⁻) donates a proton (H⁺) to water (H₂O). According to the Brønsted-Lowry acid-base theory, an acid is a proton donor and a base is a proton acceptor. Since water accepts a proton from HSO₄⁻ to form H₃O⁺, water is acting as a base in this specific reaction.