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Ch.16 - Acid-Base Equilibria

Chapter 16, Problem 99c

Indicate whether each of the following statements is correct or incorrect. (c) Conjugate acids of weak bases produce more acidic solutions than conjugate acids of strong bases.

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Hey, everyone, we're asked true or false solutions of conjugate bases of weak acids are more basic than solutions of conjugate bases of strong acids. To answer this question, let's go ahead and think about specific reactions starting with the conjugate basis of strong acids. For example, we have hydrochloric acid and this is going to dissociate completely into our protons plus our chlorine ions. Now, if we take our chlorine ion and react this with water, we end up with no reaction. So conjugate bases of strong acids do not react with water. Now let's go ahead and look at conjugate bases of weak acids. So let's say we have a weak acid which we will label as H A. Now this is going to be in equilibrium with our protons plus that an ion. Now, if we go ahead and take that an ion and react it with water, we end up with an acid plus our hydroxide ion. So we end up with a basic solution. So the conjugate basis of weak acids will react with water. So to answer the statement, this statement is going to be true. Now, I hope this made sense and let us know if you have any questions.