Question

What is the conjugate acid of HCO3- ?OH-H2CO3CO32-H2OH3O+

Answer 1

Answer: The conjugate acid of $HCO_3^-$ is $H_2CO_3$

Explanation:

According to the Bronsted-Lowry conjugate acid-base theory:

• An acid is defined as a substance which looses donates protons and thus forming conjugate base.
• A base is defined as a substance which accepts protons and thus forming conjugate acid.

To form a conjugate acid of $HCO_3^-$, this compound will accept one proton to form $H_2CO_3$

The chemical equation for the formation of conjugate acid follows:

$HCO_3^-+H^+\rightarrow H_2CO_3$

The conjugate acid formed is named as carbonic acid.

Hence, the conjugate acid of $HCO_3^-$ is $H_2CO_3$