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Ch.16 - Acids and Bases
Chapter 16, Problem 4

Both HCO3- and HS- are amphoteric. Write an equation to show how each substance can act as an acid, and another equation to show how each can act as a base.

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1
Identify the definition of an amphoteric substance: An amphoteric substance can act as both an acid and a base.
For HCO3^- acting as an acid: Write the equation where HCO3^- donates a proton (H^+) to a base, such as OH^-, forming CO3^2- and H2O.
For HCO3^- acting as a base: Write the equation where HCO3^- accepts a proton (H^+) from an acid, such as H3O^+, forming H2CO3 and H2O.
For HS^- acting as an acid: Write the equation where HS^- donates a proton (H^+) to a base, such as OH^-, forming S^2- and H2O.
For HS^- acting as a base: Write the equation where HS^- accepts a proton (H^+) from an acid, such as H3O^+, forming H2S and H2O.