Aqueous solutions of hydrogen sulfide contain H2S, HS-, S2-, H3O+ , OH-, and H2O in varying concentrations. Which of these species can act only as an acid? Which can act only as a base? Which can act both as an acid and as a base?

Video transcript

Hello. In this problem, we are told in a quick solution of carbonic acid contains carbonic acid bicarbonate and carbonate in different concentrations. Were asked to identify the esoteric species in the solution, ignore the water present in the solution we call that an esoteric means that a substance can act as both an acid and the base. So let's begin with. Carbonic acid. Carbonic acid can dissociate to form hydrogen ions and bicarbonate and so it is capable of donating a proton. So it acts only as an acid bicarbonate and also dissociate, form hydrogen ions and carbonate. So it can also donate a proton. So it acts as an acid bicarbonate. Can accept a. I joined the form carbonic acid so it can accept a proton. So it is acting as a base and carbonate can accept a proton form bicarbonate, so it's accepting a proton, so it acts only as a base. So our amputee eric species is the one that acts as both an acid and a base and that is bicarbonate. Thanks for watching. Hope this helps