Question

Identify the base in this acid-base reaction:
2HC2H3O2 + Mg(OH)2 = Mg(C2H3O2)2 + 2H2O

a. HC2H3O2

b. Mg(OH)2

c. Mg(C2H3O2)2

d. H2O

Answer 1

Answer: In the given acid-base reaction, the base is $Mg(OH)_2$

Explanation:

Acids are defined as the chemical species which donate hydrogen ions when dissolved in water.

$HA(aq.)\rightarrow H^+(aq.)+A^-(aq.)$

Bases are defined as the chemical species which donate hydroxide ions when dissolved in water.

$BOH(aq.)\rightarrow B^+(aq.)+OH^-(aq.)$

The given chemical equation follows:

$2HC_2H_3O_2+Mg(OH)_2\rightarrow Mg(C_2H_3O_2)_2+2H_2O$

Here, magnesium hydroxide is acting as base because it dissociates into magnesium ions and hydroxide ions when dissolved in water.

The chemical equation for the ionization of magnesium hydroxide follows:

$Mg(OH)_2\rightarrow Mg^{2+}+2OH^-$

Hence, in the given acid-base reaction, the base is $Mg(OH)_2$

Answer 2

Answer:

B. Mg(OH)2

Explanation:

The other guy explained it, I just shortened it.