Which compounds are acting like Brønsted-Lowry acids in the following acid-base equilibrium?

HCO3− + H2O H2CO3 and OH−

H₂O and H₂CO₃  

Explanation:

Per the Brønsted-Lowry theory, an acid is a substance that can donate a proton to another substance.

In the forward reaction, the water acts as a Brønsted-Lowry acid. It donates a proton to the bicarbonate ion and converts it to carbonic acid.  

In the reverse reaction, the carbonic acid acts as a Brønsted-Lowry acid. It donates a proton to the hydroxide ion and converts it to water.  

the answer is option a.

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