In which situation is water acting solely as a Bronsted-Lowry base?

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Correct Answer: C. HNO3 + H2O -> NO3– + H3O+
To act as a Bronsted-Lowry base water must accept a proton from an acid forming the hydronium ion, H3O+. This is the case in HNO3 + H2O -> NO3– + H3O+.
NH3 + H2O -> NH4+ + OH– – water is acting as a Bronsted-Lowry acid by releasing a H+ and forming the hydroxide ion, OH–.
NaCl(s) + H2O -> Na+(aq) + Cl–(aq) – Water is acting as a solvent.
CuSO4(s) + 5 H2O -> CuSO4.5H2O(s) – Water is incorporating itself into the copper sulfate as water of hydration.
2 H2O -> H3O+ + OH– – Water is undergoing a disproportionation reaction, acting both as an acid and a base to form H3O+ and OH–.
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