Where are these hidden carbon atoms?

The correct answer would be 1. precipitation

Elias is almost correct. he just got it backwards.the correct answer is that it demonstrates elastic potential energy transforming into kinetic energy.

According to arrhenius theory of acid and bases, an acid is a proton donor, while base donates hydroxyl ions. further, acid and base reacts to form salt and water.consider following example.hcl    +      h2o          →      cl-          +      h3o+here, hcl has donated a proton, hence it is an acid.now consider following reactionhcl      +      naoh            ↔      nacl      +        h2oin this reaction, hcl donates proton, hence it is acid. on other hand, naoh donates hydroxyl ion (i.e. hence it is a base.