Answer:
HF
H₂S
H₂CO₃
NH₄⁺
Explanation:
<em>Which acid in each of the following pairs has the stronger conjugate base?</em>
According to Bronsted-Lowry acid-base theory, <em>the weaker an acid, the stronger its conjugate acid</em>. Especially for weak acids, pKa gives information about the strength of such acid. <em>The higher the pKa, the weaker the acid.</em>
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- Of the acids HCl or HF, the one with the stronger conjugate base is HF because it is a weak acid.
- Of the acids H₂S or HNO₂, the one with the stronger conjugate base is H₂S because it is a weaker acid. pKa (H₂S) = 7.04 > pKa (HNO₂) = 3.39
- Of the acids H₂CO₃ or HClO₄, the one with the stronger conjugate base is H₂CO₃ because it is a weak acid.
- Of the acids HF or NH₄⁺, the one with the stronger conjugate base is NH₄⁺ because it is a weaker acid. pKa (HF) = 3.17 < pKa (NH₄⁺) = 9.25
