QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
# Which of the following is the conjugate acid of H_2 PO_4?
A. H_4 PO_4
B. PO_4^{3 -}
C. HPO_4^{2 -}
D. H_3 PO_4
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Answer
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Step 1:: Recall the definition of a conjugate acid.
A conjugate acid is formed when a base accepts a proton (H+). In this case, we are looking for the conjugate acid of H^2PO^4 -, which is a base.
Step 2:: Identify the base losing a proton to form H^2PO^4 -.
The base that loses a proton to form H^2PO^4 - is H^3PO^4. This is because H^2PO^4 - is the conjugate base of H^3PO^4.
Step 3:: Write the chemical formula for the conjugate acid.
Since H^3PO^4 lost a proton (H+) to form H^2PO^4 -, the conjugate acid of H^2PO^4 - would be formed by adding a proton (H+) back to it.
Step 4:: Calculate the charge of the resulting ion.
Adding a proton (H+) to H^2PO^4 - will result in a neutral charge, as H^2PO^4 - has a - 1 charge.
Step 5:: Compare the result with the given options.
The resulting ion from adding a proton (H+) to H^2PO^4 - is H^3PO^4, which corresponds to option D.
Final Answer
The conjugate acid of H^2PO^4 - is H^3PO^4 (option D).
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