Which acid in each of the following pairs has the stronger conjugate base? See Table 16.1 to compare the relative strengths of conjugate acid-base pairs. (a) HCl or HF

Video transcript

Hey everyone, we're asked to identify the acid with the stronger conjugate base from the following pair, nitrous acid versus nitric acid. Now looking at nitrous acid, we know that this is a weak acid. Now, in comparison to nitric acid, we know that this is one of our strong acids. So thinking about their conjugate bases, all we need to do is go ahead and remove a proton. So removing a proton from our nitrous acid, we end up with our nitrite ion and removing a proton from our nitric acid. We end up with our nitrate ion. Now comparing the two, the stronger conjugate base is going to come from our nitrous acid. So that would be our nitrite. And the reason why is because since nitrous acid is a weaker acid in comparison to nitric acid, this must mean its conjugate base must be stronger than that of our nitric acid. Now, I hope that made sense. And let us know if you have any questions