CN- (aq) + H2O (l) ⇔ HCN (aq) + OH- (aq) Identify the BrØnsted-Lowry acid in the equation above.

Question

A. HCN

 B. CN^-

 C. OH^-

 D. H₂O

Answer 1

According to the Bronsted-Lowry theory of acids and bases, an acid is a substance that can donate a hydrogen ion (H+) when in solution. In the above example, that would make H2O(l) an acid and it would also make HCN an acid.