During the reaction NH3(aq) + H2O(l) ⇌ NH4+(aq) + OH−(aq), which species acts as an acid?

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Multiple Choice

During the reaction NH3(aq) + H2O(l) ⇌ NH4+(aq) + OH−(aq), which species acts as an acid?

Explanation:
In a Bronsted-Lowry sense, acids donate protons. In this equilibrium, water donates a proton to ammonia, producing NH4+ and OH−. So water acts as the acid here. Ammonia is the base, since it accepts the proton to become NH4+. The NH4+ and OH− are the conjugate acid and base formed, respectively. Ammonium hydroxide isn’t acting as the acid in this step.

In a Bronsted-Lowry sense, acids donate protons. In this equilibrium, water donates a proton to ammonia, producing NH4+ and OH−. So water acts as the acid here. Ammonia is the base, since it accepts the proton to become NH4+. The NH4+ and OH− are the conjugate acid and base formed, respectively. Ammonium hydroxide isn’t acting as the acid in this step.

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