A student prepares a solution containing equimolar amounts of ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) and sodium acetate (NaCH3COO). Two separate proton-transfer equilibria occur:
1. NH4++H2O⇌NH3+H3O+
2. CH3COO−+H2O⇌CH3COOH+OH−
Which pair correctly describes the role of water in each equilibrium?
a) Equilibrium 1: water is the acid; Equilibrium 2: water is the base.
b) Equilibrium 1: water is the base; Equilibrium 2: water is the base.
c) Equilibrium 1: water is the base; Equilibrium 2: water is the acid.
d) Equilibrium 1: water is both acid and base; Equilibrium 2: water is both acid and base.