Multiple Choice
Which of the following is a typical property of bases?
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17. Acid and Base Equilibrium
Bases Introduction
Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the strongest Brønsted–Lowry base in water?
A
B
C
D
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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