Question

The hydrogen sulfate or bisulfate ion HSO4– can act as either an acid or a base in water solution. In which of the following equations does HSO4– act as an acid? HSO4– + OH– → H2SO4 + O2– HSO4– + H3O+ → SO3 + 2H2O HSO4– + H2O → SO42– + H3O+ HSO4– + H2O → H2SO4 + OH– None of these choices are correct.

Answer 1

Answer:

This is the correct option:

HSO4– + H2O → SO42– + H3O+

Explanation:

The hydrogen sulfate or bisulfate ion HSO₄⁻ can act as either an acid or a base in water solution. This is called amphoteric

It can act as an acid, because it release a proton:

HSO₄⁻  +  H₂O ⇄  H₃O⁺  +  SO₄⁻²

It can act as a base, because it accepts a proton:

HSO₄⁻  +  H₂O ⇄  H₂SO₄  +  SOH⁻