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Ch.17 - Acids and Bases
Chapter 17, Problem 37a

Write the formula for the conjugate base of each acid. a. HCl

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1
Identify the acid in the problem: HCl.
Recall that a conjugate base is formed by removing a proton (H⁺) from the acid.
Remove one hydrogen ion (H⁺) from HCl, which leaves you with Cl⁻.
Recognize that the remaining species, Cl⁻, is the conjugate base of HCl.
Write the formula for the conjugate base: Cl⁻.

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Key Concepts

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

Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs

In acid-base chemistry, a conjugate acid-base pair consists of two species that differ by the presence of a proton (H+). When an acid donates a proton, it transforms into its conjugate base, while the base that accepts the proton becomes its conjugate acid. Understanding this relationship is crucial for identifying the conjugate base of any given acid.
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Strong Acids and Their Conjugate Bases

Strong acids, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl), completely dissociate in water, meaning they release all their protons. The conjugate base of a strong acid is typically a weak base, which does not readily accept protons. For HCl, the conjugate base is Cl-, which is stable and does not react significantly with water to form HCl again.
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Chemical Notation and Formulas

Chemical notation is a system of symbols used to represent elements and compounds. The formula for a conjugate base is derived from the acid's formula by removing one hydrogen atom and adjusting the charge accordingly. For HCl, the removal of H+ results in the formula Cl-, indicating the chloride ion as the conjugate base.
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