CHEMISTRY · Single correct · A Level · Chemistry · Acids and bases · Acids and bases
Problem
In the ionization of nitric acid shown below, what role does water play?
HNO3+H2O→NO3−+H3O+
(a) Water is a spectator species because its composition remains unchanged during the reaction.
(b) Water acts as an acid because it donates a proton to NO3−.
(c) Water acts as a base because it accepts a proton from HNO3.
(d) Water acts as both an acid and a base simultaneously because it is amphoteric and auto-ionizes.