Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

10. Acids and Bases

Acid-Base Introduction

GOB Chemistry

10. Acids and Bases

Acid-Base Introduction

Previous problemNext problem

2:06 minutes

Problem 11c

Textbook Question

Write the formula for the conjugate acid for each of the following bases:
c. H₂PO₄^-

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the base provided in the problem. In this case, the base is the dihydrogen phosphate ion, represented as

H_{2} {PO}_{4} -

Recall the definition of a conjugate acid. A conjugate acid is formed when a base accepts a proton (H⁺).

Add a proton (H⁺) to the base. This involves increasing the number of hydrogen atoms in the formula by one and adjusting the charge accordingly. The formula becomes

H_{3} {PO}_{4}

Verify the charge of the conjugate acid. Since the base

H_{2} {PO}_{4} -

has a charge of -1, adding a proton (H⁺) neutralizes this charge, resulting in a neutral molecule.

Write the final formula for the conjugate acid, which is

H_{3} {PO}_{4}

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Conjugate Acid-Base Pair

A conjugate acid-base pair consists of two species that differ by the presence or absence of a proton (H⁺). When a base accepts a proton, it forms its conjugate acid. Understanding this relationship is crucial for identifying the conjugate acid of a given base, as it directly influences the acid-base equilibrium in chemical reactions.

Phosphate Ion Chemistry

Phosphate ions, such as H₂PO₄⁻, are part of a family of polyatomic ions that play significant roles in biological systems and chemical reactions. The H₂PO₄⁻ ion is the dihydrogen phosphate ion, which can act as a weak acid or a base. Recognizing its structure and behavior is essential for determining its conjugate acid when it gains a proton.

Protonation Process

Protonation is the process by which a molecule or ion gains a proton (H⁺), resulting in the formation of a conjugate acid. This process is fundamental in acid-base chemistry, as it alters the charge and reactivity of the species involved. Understanding how protonation affects the properties of ions like H₂PO₄⁻ is key to predicting the resulting conjugate acid.