Multiple Choice
Which of the following is a typical property of bases?
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17. Acid and Base Equilibrium
Bases Introduction
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Which of the following is the strongest Brønsted–Lowry base in water?
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Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that a Brønsted–Lowry base is a species that can accept a proton (H\textsuperscript{+}). The strength of a base in water depends on its tendency to accept a proton from water or other acids.
Identify the given species: fluoride ion (F\textsuperscript{−}), chloride ion (Cl\textsuperscript{−}), nitrate ion (NO\textsubscript{3}\textsuperscript{−}), and hydroxide ion (OH\textsuperscript{−}).
Consider the conjugate acids of each base: HF for F\textsuperscript{−}, HCl for Cl\textsuperscript{−}, HNO\textsubscript{3} for NO\textsubscript{3}\textsuperscript{−}, and H\textsubscript{2}O for OH\textsuperscript{−}. The strength of the base is inversely related to the strength of its conjugate acid.
Compare the acid strengths: HCl and HNO\textsubscript{3} are strong acids, so their conjugate bases (Cl\textsuperscript{−} and NO\textsubscript{3}\textsuperscript{−}) are very weak bases. HF is a weak acid, so F\textsuperscript{−} is a stronger base than Cl\textsuperscript{−} and NO\textsubscript{3}\textsuperscript{−}. Water (H\textsubscript{2}O) is a very weak acid, so OH\textsuperscript{−} is a relatively strong base.
Conclude that among the given ions, OH\textsuperscript{−} is the strongest Brønsted–Lowry base in water because it is the conjugate base of water, which is a very weak acid.
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