Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 15: Problem 159

Can a weak acid and its conjugate base ever have the same charge? Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified
In general, a weak acid and its conjugate base cannot have the same charge. This is because when a weak acid donates a proton, it loses a positive charge, making its conjugate base more negatively charged than the original acid. The charge difference results from the proton donation process.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding weak acids

Firstly, we need to know what a weak acid is. A weak acid is an acid that does not completely dissociate in water, meaning that only a small fraction of the acid molecules donate a proton (H+) in a solution. Some common examples of weak acids are acetic acid (CH3COOH) and formic acid (HCOOH).
02

Understanding conjugate bases

A conjugate base is the species formed after an acid has donated a proton (H+). This means that the conjugate base will have one less proton compared to the original acid. For instance, when acetic acid (CH3COOH) donates a proton, it becomes acetate ion (CH3COO-).
03

Analyzing charges of weak acids and conjugate bases

The charges on the weak acid and its conjugate base depend on the presence of protons in them. When a weak acid donates a proton, it loses a positive charge, making its conjugate base more negatively charged than the original acid. For example, let's consider acetic acid: Acetic acid: CH3COOH - neutral charge When it donates a proton (H+), it forms a negatively-charged acetate ion: Acetate ion: CH3COO- (carrying a -1 charge)
04

Concluding if weak acids and conjugate bases can have the same charge

By understanding the charges in weak acids and their conjugate bases, we observe that when an acid donates a proton, its conjugate base will carry a different charge. In most cases, the conjugate base is more negatively charged than the weak acid since one proton (H+) is removed from the molecule. So, in general, a weak acid and its conjugate base cannot have the same charge as the charge difference results from the proton donation process.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

What is the general recipe for making a buffer? Explain the function of each ingredient.

Sulfuric acid, \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{4}\), is a diprotic acid with dissociation equilibrium constants of \(K_{\mathrm{eq}}>1.0 \times 10^{3}\) and \(K_{\mathrm{eq}}=1.2 \times 10^{-2} .\) Write the two dissociation equilibrium equations, and match the proper \(K_{\text {eq }}\) to each. Which species is the weak acid?

Name one biological system in which control of \(\mathrm{pH}\) (buffering ability) is important, and name the buffer that is in control.

Without calculating \(\mathrm{pH}\) values, list these solutions in order of acidity, from lowest \(\mathrm{pH}\) to highest \(\mathrm{pH}\) : (a) \(0.10 \mathrm{M} \mathrm{LiNO}_{3}\) (b) \(0.10 \mathrm{M} \mathrm{NaF}\) (c) \(0.10 \mathrm{M} \mathrm{KOH}\) (d) \(0.10 \mathrm{M} \mathrm{HCN}\) (e) \(0.10 \mathrm{M} \mathrm{HNO}_{3}\) (f) \(0.20 \mathrm{M} \mathrm{HCl}\)

What is the molar hydroxide ion concentration in a solution that is 1000 times more acidic than a solution that has a pH of \(9.20\) ?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation

Ionic and Molecular Compounds

Read Explanation

Chemical Analysis

Read Explanation

Kinetics

Read Explanation

Making Measurements

Read Explanation

Nuclear Chemistry

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free