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Homework Statement
I'm having problems understanding amphoteric acids and bases. I know amphoteric means that it can act as an acid or base, but when the question asks me to write the equation to support this statement, I always get it wrong
Homework Equations
HSO4^-1 is an amphotheric ion. Write chemical equations to show this ion acting as
a) an acid
b) a base
The Attempt at a Solution
For a)
I wrote HSO4^-1 + H2O -> SO4^-2 + H3O^+
but, on the answers it is HSO4^-1+OH^-1 -> SO4^-2 + H2O
For b) I wrote HSO4^-1 + H2O -> H2SO4 + OH^-1
but on the answers it is HSO4^-1 + H3O+ ->H2SO4 + H2O
I have no idea why I'm wrong Could someone help explain this to me?