ACTIVITY SHEET in GENERAL CHEMISTRY 2

LC: Define Bronsted acids and bases

LECTURE:
The Bronsted -Lowry theory is defined by the following reaction: acid + base <=> conjugate base + conjugate acid.
A conjugate base forms after the acid loses a proton, while the conjugate acid forms when the base accepts the
proton. The reaction can proceed in either direction. The Bronsted -Lowry acid-base theory has several advantages
over the Arrhenius theory: for example, only the Bronsted theory describes the reaction between acetic acid and
ammonia, which does not produce hydrogen ions in solution. Water is amphoteric, which means it can act as either
an acid or a base.

In conjugate acid, the species formed after a base accepts a proton; typically, a weak acid. For conjugate base, the
species formed after an acid donates its proton; typically, a weak base Bronsted -Lowry base, means any chemical
species that acts as an acceptor of protons. In Bronsted-Lowry acid, any chemical species that acts as a donor of
protons.

ACTIVITY 6
Classify the following as Bronsted acids, bases or both.
1. H 2O
−¿¿
2. OH
3. NH 3
+¿¿
4. NH 4
−¿¿
5. NH 2

ACTIVITY 7
A. What is the conjugate base of the following acids?
1. HClO 4
+¿¿
2. NH 4
3. H 2O
−¿ ¿
4. HCO3

B. What is the conjugate acid of the following bases?

−¿ ¿
1. CN
2−¿ ¿
2. SO 4
3. H 2O
−¿ ¿
4. HCO3