In your own words, describe how to determine which substance acts an acid and which substance acts as a base in the forward direction of the following reaction:
H2S + H2O ⇌ H3O+ + HS-
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To determine which substance acts as an acid and which substance acts as a base in the forward direction of the given reaction, we need to understand acid-base theory. According to the Brønsted-Lowry definition, an acid is a substance that donates a proton (H+) while a base is a substance that accepts a proton.
In the given reaction: H2S + H2O ⇌ H3O+ + HS-
- H2S is hydrogen sulfide, and it has the potential to donate a proton, making it an acid.
- H2O is water, and it can accept a proton, making it a base.
Therefore, in the forward direction of the reaction, H2S acts as an acid, donating a proton to H2O, which acts as a base by accepting the proton. This proton transfer leads to the formation of H3O+ (hydronium ion) and HS- (hydrogen sulfide ion).