Hydrogen chloride gas reacts with water to form an acidic solution. The reaction equation is shown below. $\text{HCl} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{Cl}^- + \text{H}_3\text{O}^+$. Which statement best describes what occurs during 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.