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An amphoteric molecule can, under the right conditions, release either a free hydrogen ion (H+) or a free hydroxide ion (OH-). Water is made out of a hydrogen ion and a hydroxide ion, so you can create reactions that go either way.
Hence, under the appropriate conditions water acts like an acid; while under other conditions, it acts as a base.
Water acts as an acid, releasing H+ ions, when it reacts with a base stronger than itself.
H-OH + NH3 ---> NH4+ + OH-
Water acts as a base, releasing OH- ions, when it reacts with an acid stronger than itself.
H-OH + HCl ---> H3O+ + Cl-
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoChemically, water is amphoteric — i.e., it is able to act as either an acid or a base.
HCl + H2O ⇌ H3O+ + Cl−
Here water is acting as a base, by receiving an H+ ion.
In the reaction with ammonia, NH3, water donates an H+ ion, and is thus acting as an acid:
NH3 + H2O ⇌ NH4+ + OH−
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Is ammonia an amphoteric substance?
No, in order for a substance to be considered amphoteric it must be able to act as an acid and a base. Sodium sulfite will only act as a base, and thus it is not amphoteric.
What is a substance which acts as both an acid and a base?
An example would be water which can gain a proton to form the hydroxonium ion (acting as a base) or donate a proton forming the hydroxide ion (acting as an acid). An acid is a proton donor; a base is a proton acceptor.
Do you consider hoh as an acid or a base?
HOH, more commonly shown as H2O or water is generally considered neutral. But technically it is an amphoteric substance, meaning it can act as both an acid and a base.
What is an Amphoteric substance?
Amphoteric Substance is one that can react as either an acid or base."Partly one and partly the other; neither acid nor alkaline; neutral" (I don't think this answer is correct)The word is derived from the Greek prefix ampho- meaning "both".Many metals (such as zinc, tin, lead, aluminium, and beryllium) and most metalloids have amphoteric oxides. Other examples include amino acids and proteins, which have amine and carboxylic acid groups, and self-ionizable compounds such as water and ammonia.
Why are the colours of cu2 different in water and in aqueous ammonia?
Type your answer here... it is because water is amphoteric and ammonia is basic
What is a common amphoteric substance?
Water is an amphoteric substance.
Is ammonia an amphoteric substance?
No, in order for a substance to be considered amphoteric it must be able to act as an acid and a base. Sodium sulfite will only act as a base, and thus it is not amphoteric.
How Water is an amphoteric substance?
Yes, water can react as an acid or a base - amphoteric.
Is water a acid or basics?
Usually water is considered neither acidic nor basic. It is neutral. But technically it is an amphoteric substance, meaning it has both acidic and basic properties.
Acids Bases Salts?
In water solutions salts may be acidic, basic or amphoteric.
What is a substance which acts as both an acid and a base?
An example would be water which can gain a proton to form the hydroxonium ion (acting as a base) or donate a proton forming the hydroxide ion (acting as an acid). An acid is a proton donor; a base is a proton acceptor.
Is salt amphoteric?
Sodium chloride is not amphoteric.
Is a bicarbonate ion an amphoteric substance?
amphoteric
Do you consider hoh as an acid or a base?
HOH, more commonly shown as H2O or water is generally considered neutral. But technically it is an amphoteric substance, meaning it can act as both an acid and a base.
Is ciprofloxacin acidic basic amphoteric or neutral?
amphoteric
Why are the colours of cu2 different in water and in aqueous ammonia?
Type your answer here... it is because water is amphoteric and ammonia is basic
What are the products of the reaction between antimony trioxide and water?
antimony is amphoteric, so in water it will behave as an acid and a base
