Question

According to the equations below, what is the conjugate base of `HCO_3^-` ?

`H_2CO_3(aq) + H_2O (l) rightleftharpoons HCO_3^(-) (aq) + H_3O^(+)(aq)`

`HCO_3^(-)(aq) + H_2O(l) rightleftharpoons CO_3^(2-)(aq) + H_3O^(+)(aq)`

Answer 1

The conjugate base of `HCO_3^-` is `CO_3^(2-)`

Explanation:

To find the conjugate base of ANY acid, all you have to do is remove a proton, and conserve mass and charge; simply take `H^+` away.

e.g. `H_2SO_4 rarrHSO_4^-`

`HNO_3 rarrNO_3^-`

`H_3PO_4 rarr H_2PO_4^-`

`NH_3 rarr NH_2^-`

What is the conjugate acid of `CO_3^(2-)` ion?

It seems I have asnwered this before.