Answer:
accepts an H⁺
Explanation:
The following balanced ionic equation is given in this question;
HCl + H₂O → H₃O⁺ + Cl⁻
According to Brønsted–Lowry acid–base theory, a base is any substance that can accept hydrogen ions or protons (H+). Using this definition for the above equation, water (H2O) accepts a proton or H+ that was donated by HCl to form H30+ (hydronium ion), hence, water is acting as a BASE in this reaction because it accepts an H+.
