In the following reaction: HCO3- (aq) + H2O (aq) → H2CO3 (aq) + OH- (aq) a) HCO3- is an acid and H2CO3 is its conjugate base.
b) H2O is an acid and HCO3- is its conjugate base.
c) H2O is an acid and H2CO3 is its conjugate base.
d) H2O is an acid and OH- is its conjugate base.
e) HCO3- is an acid and OH- is its conjugate base

The correct option is H₂O is an acid and OH⁻ is its conjugate base.

Explanation:

According to the Bronsted-Lowry theory, an acid is a substance capable of yielding a hydrogen ion while a base is a species capable of accepting a hydrogen ion.

A conjugated acid-base pair is a pair of chemical species capable of transforming into each other by exchange of a proton. That is, a conjugated acid is the species that forms after the base accepts a proton. In contrast, a conjugate base is the species that forms after an acid donates its proton.

So, in this case water acts as an acid, yielding a proton to HCO₃⁻, which in turn acts as a base.

The correct option is H₂O is an acid and OH⁻ is its conjugate base.

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