When hydrogen chloride gas reacts with water, an acidic solution is formed. The reaction is represented by the equation below. $\text{HCl} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{Cl}^- + \text{H}_3\text{O}^+$ Which statement best explains what occurs in this reaction?
- AThe chloride ion is formed by accepting an electron from the water.
- BThe hydrogen chloride loses an electron to form the chloride ion.
- CThe water accepts a proton from the hydrogen chloride.
- DThe water donates a proton to the hydrogen chloride.