A substance can act as an acid or base depending on the other reactant is called Amphoteric. Amphoteric substances can donate or accept a proton depending on the reaction conditions. For example, water can act as both an acid and a base:
1. Water acting as an acid:
H2O + NH3 ---> NH4+ + OH-
Here, water donates a proton (H+) to ammonia and acts as an acid.
2. Water acting as a base:
HCl + H2O ---> H3O+ + Cl-
Here, water accepts a proton (H+) from hydrochloric acid and acts as a base.
What acts as an acid or base depending on the other reactant
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