conjugate pairs

Question 1

what is a conjugate acid?

Answer 1

species that gains a proton

Question 1

what is a conjugate base?

Answer 1

species that loses a proton

Question 2

describe how HA and A- are a conjugate pair in this equation:

HA + B -> BH+ + A-

Answer 2

• HA donates a proton, is an acid in the forward direction
• A- accepts a proton, is a base in the reverse direction

Question 3

describe the conjugate pairing of water

Answer 3

• reacts with acids to form H3O- (a conjugate acid)
• reacts with bases to form OH- (a conjugate base)