What is the conjugate base in the following reaction? HNO₂ + H₂O ⇌ ?

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Question

According to Brønsted-Lowry theory, what is the definition of a conjugate base?

Answer

The species formed when an acid donates a proton (H⁺). It is the original acid molecule minus one H⁺.

Question

In the reaction HNO₂ + H₂O ⇌ H₃O⁺ + NO₂⁻, which species acts as the Brønsted-Lowry acid and which acts as the base on the reactant side?

Answer

HNO₂ is the acid (donates H⁺). H₂O is the base (accepts H⁺).

Question

For the acid HNO₂, what is its conjugate base, and how is it related structurally?

Answer

The conjugate base is NO₂⁻ (nitrite ion). It is the species formed when HNO₂ loses one H⁺.

Question

What is the conjugate acid of the base H₂O in this reaction, and what is its name?

Answer

The conjugate acid is H₃O⁺, called the hydronium ion.

Question

In the reverse reaction (H₃O⁺ + NO₂⁻ ⇌ HNO₂ + H₂O), what is the conjugate base of H₃O⁺?

Answer

H₂O. In the reverse direction, H₃O⁺ acts as an acid, donating H⁺ to become H₂O, its conjugate base.

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Is the conjugate base of an acid formed by that acid gaining a proton?

The conjugate base in the reaction is NO₂⁻.