Which of the following is true of the bicarbonate ion (HCO₃⁻)? A) It can only lose a proton. B) It can only accept a proton. C) It can either accept or lose a proton. D) It can neither accept nor lose a proton.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The bicarbonate ion, HCO₃⁻, can act as both an acid and a base. It can donate a proton (act as an acid) to form carbonic acid, or it can accept a proton (act as a base) to form carbonate ion. Therefore, option C is the correct answer.

Which of the Following Is True of the Bicarbonate Ion