What is a conjugate base?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for a definition and explanation of what a conjugate base is in the context of acid-base chemistry. It pertains to the relationship between acids and their corresponding bases.
Answer
The species that remains after an acid donates a proton (H+).
The conjugate base is the species that remains after an acid has donated a proton (H+).
Answer for screen readers
The conjugate base is the species that remains after an acid has donated a proton (H+).
More Information
In a Brønsted–Lowry acid-base reaction, the acid and its conjugate base are related by the loss and gain of a proton. For example, when hydrochloric acid (HCl) donates a proton, it becomes its conjugate base, chloride (Cl-).
Tips
A common mistake is to confuse conjugate acids with conjugate bases. Remember, conjugate bases are formed from the loss of a proton by an acid.
Sources
- Brønsted–Lowry acids and bases (article) - Khan Academy - khanacademy.org
- pH, pKa, and the Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation - Chemguide - chemguide.co.uk
