Question #d12c9

1 Answer
Dwight
Apr 27, 2017

Conjugates are particles that differ by one H^+ ion. The acid has an "extra" that the base lacks.

Explanation:

So, in a) NH_4^+ (acid) and NH_3 (base) are conjugates. Same for HCN (acid) and CN^- (base).

b) HCO_3^- (acid) and CO_3^(2-) (base) are conjugates, as are HCl (acid) and Cl^- (base).

In the second question, for the substance to be an acid (only), it must have a H^+ it can donate to H_2O, but must not acquire a H^+. This includes H_2SO_4 as the only chemical that is only an acid.

CH_3COO^- and SO_4^(2-) are only bases (the H atoms bonded to the C do not ionize).

All the rest can serve as either acid or base.

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