Why does a strong acid have a weak conjugate base, whereas a weak acid has a relatively strong conjugate base?

1 Answer
Slangus
Nov 9, 2015

The conjugate bases of strong acids are neutral.

Explanation:

Since strong acids completely dissociate in water, their conjugate bases cannot bond to a #H^+#.

This is why there is not an equilibrium when strong acids are in water.

Weak acid conjugate bases, however, have the ability to bond to #H^+# ions, this creates an equilibrium in the solution.

Just remember the 6 strong acids and that their conjugate bases will not bond to a proton.
#HCl#
#HI#
#HBr#
#HNO_3#
#H_2SO_4#
#HClO_4#

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