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Ch.17 - Acids and Bases
Chapter 17, Problem 36c

In each reaction, identify the Brønsted–Lowry acid, the Brønsted–Lowry base, the conjugate acid, and the conjugate base. c. CO32–(aq) + H2O(l) ⇌ HCO3(aq) + OH(aq)

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Identify the species that donates a proton (H⁺) in the reaction. This species is the Brønsted–Lowry acid.
Identify the species that accepts a proton (H⁺) in the reaction. This species is the Brønsted–Lowry base.
Determine the conjugate acid, which is the species formed when the Brønsted–Lowry base gains a proton.
Determine the conjugate base, which is the species formed when the Brønsted–Lowry acid loses a proton.
Write out the reaction showing the transfer of the proton and label each species as the Brønsted–Lowry acid, base, conjugate acid, and conjugate base.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Brønsted–Lowry Acid-Base Theory

The Brønsted–Lowry theory defines acids as proton donors and bases as proton acceptors. This framework allows for the identification of acid-base reactions based on the transfer of protons (H+ ions) between species. Understanding this theory is essential for analyzing reactions and determining the roles of different substances in the reaction.
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Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs

In the context of Brønsted–Lowry theory, a conjugate acid is formed when a base accepts a proton, while a conjugate base is formed when an acid donates a proton. These pairs are crucial for understanding the equilibrium of acid-base reactions, as they illustrate how substances can interchange roles depending on the reaction conditions.
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Chemical Equilibrium

Chemical equilibrium refers to the state in which the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal, resulting in constant concentrations of reactants and products. In acid-base reactions, this concept helps explain how the presence of acids and bases can shift the equilibrium position, affecting the concentrations of conjugate acids and bases in solution.
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