SolutionsAcids and bases
1. Acids, bases and their conjugates
Identify the acid and the base in each reaction:
- HCl + H2O → H3O+ + Cl−
- NH3 + H2O ⇄ NH4+ + HO−
- Acid: HCl (it gives up the proton); base: H2O (it accepts it).
- Base: NH3 (it accepts the proton with its unshared pair); acid: H2O (it gives it up).
Water can act as a base or as an acid depending on what it reacts with.
2. Neutralization
Write the reaction of acetic acid with sodium hydroxide. Which salt is formed?
CH3COOH + NaOH → CH3COO− Na+ + H2O. Sodium acetate is formed.