Write a chemical equation for each that illustrates its reaction with water. What makes these substances acids? Identify the conjugate base in each of the re- actions.

Question

Write a chemical equation for each that illustrates its reaction with water. What makes these substances acids? Identify the conjugate base in each of the re- actions.

1. ammonium ion, NH4+

Answer 1

a). NH₄⁺ + H₂O ==> NH₃ + H₃O⁺

NH₄⁺ is an acid because it donates H⁺ to H₂O.

The conjugate base in this reaction is NH₃. The conjugate acid would be H₃O⁺.