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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