Consider this reaction: [tex]$H_2S + Ba(OH)_2 \rightarrow 2H_2O + BaS$[/tex]
Which compound is acting as a base in this reaction?
A. [tex]$H_2S$[/tex]
B. [tex]$Ba(OH)_2$[/tex]
C. [tex]$H_2O$[/tex]
D. BaS
Answer (2)
Identify the reaction: H 2 S + B a ( O H ) 2 i g h t ha r p oo n u p 2 H 2 O + B a S .
Recognize that a base is a proton acceptor.
Determine that B a ( O H ) 2 accepts a proton in the reaction.
Conclude that B a ( O H ) 2 is the base. B a ( O H ) 2
Explanation
Understanding the Reaction We are given the reaction: H 2 S + B a ( O H ) 2 i g h t ha r p oo n u p 2 H 2 O + B a S . We need to identify which compound acts as a base in this reaction.
Identifying the Base According to the Brønsted-Lowry definition, a base is a proton (H+) acceptor. In this reaction, H 2 S is acting as an acid by donating a proton, and B a ( O H ) 2 is accepting the proton.
Conclusion Therefore, B a ( O H ) 2 is the base in this reaction.
Examples
In chemistry, understanding acids and bases is crucial for many applications, such as titrations, buffer solutions, and predicting reaction outcomes. For example, in environmental science, we can use this knowledge to neutralize acidic pollutants in water or soil. Similarly, in biology, the pH of bodily fluids is carefully regulated by buffer systems involving acids and bases to maintain optimal conditions for enzymatic reactions and cellular functions.
In the reaction H 2 S + B a ( O H ) 2 → 2 H 2 O + B a S , the compound acting as a base is B a ( O H ) 2 because it accepts a proton from the acid H 2 S .
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