Question

The hydrogen sulfate or bisulfate ion, $H{SO}_4^{-}$, can act as either an acid or a base in water solution. In which of the following equations does $H{SO}_4^{-}$ act as an acid?

• A. $H{SO}_4^{-}+H_{2}O\to H_2{SO}_4+{OH}^{-}$
• B. $H{SO}_4^{-}+H_3{O}^{+}\to {SO}_3+2H_{2}O$
• C. $H{SO}_4^{-}+{OH}^{-}\to H_2{SO}_4+O^{2-}$
• D. $H{SO}_4^{-}+H_{2}O\to {SO}_4^{2-}+H_3{O}^{+}$
• E. None of these

Answer 1

The correct option is D $H{SO}_4^{-}+H_{2}O\to {SO}_4^{2-}+H_3{O}^{+}$

Option A: ${H{SO}_4}^{-}$ acts as base as it accepts $H^{+}$ ion

Option B: ${H{SO}_4}^{-}$ acts as base as it gives away ${OH}^{-}$ ion

Option C: ${H{SO}_4}^{-}$ acts as base as it accepts $H^{+}$ ion

${H{SO}_4}^{-}$ acts as acid as it gives away $H^{+}$ ion

Hence, D is the answer.