Question

Question #d12c9

Answer 1

Conjugates are particles that differ by one `H^+` ion. The acid has an "extra" that the base lacks.

Explanation:

So, in a) `NH_4^+` (acid) and `NH_3` (base) are conjugates. Same for `HCN` (acid) and `CN^-` (base).

b) `HCO_3^-` (acid) and `CO_3^(2-)` (base) are conjugates, as are HCl (acid) and `Cl^-` (base).

In the second question, for the substance to be an acid (only), it must have a `H^+` it can donate to `H_2O`, but must not acquire a `H^+`. This includes `H_2SO_4` as the only chemical that is only an acid.

`CH_3COO^-` and `SO_4^(2-)` are only bases (the H atoms bonded to the C do not ionize).

All the rest can serve as either acid or base.