Chapter 12: Problem 7
Identify the Brønsted-Lowry acid and Bronsted-Lowry base in this chemical equation. \(\mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{PO}_{4}+\mathrm{OH}^{-} \rightarrow \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{PO}_{4}^{-}+\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
\(\mathrm{H}_3\mathrm{PO}_4\) is the acid and \(\mathrm{OH}^-\) is the base.
Step by step solution
01
Identify Potential Acid and Base Components
In the given chemical equation \(\mathrm{H}_{3}\mathrm{PO}_{4}+\mathrm{OH}^{-} \rightarrow \mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{PO}_{4}^{-}+\mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{O}\), we begin by identifying the components that can potentially act as acids and bases. \(\mathrm{H}_3\mathrm{PO}_4\) (phosphoric acid) contains hydrogen ions that can be donated, making it a candidate for an acid. \(\mathrm{OH}^-\) (hydroxide ion) is known to accept hydrogen ions, thus a potential base.
02
Determine the Brønsted-Lowry Acid
A Brønsted-Lowry acid is a substance that donates a proton (\(\mathrm{H}^+\)). In this reaction, \(\mathrm{H}_3\mathrm{PO}_4\) donates a hydrogen ion to \(\mathrm{OH}^-\), forming \(\mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{PO}_4^-\). Thus, \(\mathrm{H}_3\mathrm{PO}_4\) is the Brønsted-Lowry acid.
03
Determine the Brønsted-Lowry Base
A Brønsted-Lowry base is a substance that accepts a proton. Here, \(\mathrm{OH}^-\) accepts a hydrogen ion from \(\mathrm{H}_3\mathrm{PO}_4\), resulting in the formation of water (\(\mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O}\)). Therefore, \(\mathrm{OH}^-\) acts as the Brønsted-Lowry base.
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Proton Donation
In the realm of Brønsted-Lowry acid-base theory, proton donation is a cornerstone concept. It revolves around the ability of a chemical species to donate a hydrogen ion, commonly referred to as a proton. This process is essential in identifying acids in chemical reactions. For instance, when we consider the compound \[ \mathrm{H}_3\mathrm{PO}_4 \] it acts as a proton donor in reactions. As it loses a proton in the chemical process, it is transformed into \[ \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{PO}_4^- \].
This transformation exemplifies the role of \[ \mathrm{H}_3\mathrm{PO}_4 \] as a Brønsted-Lowry acid because it participates in donating a proton.
Understanding proton donation involves recognizing the feature of substances that enable them to relinquish a hydrogen ion. With each proton release, these substances become lesser in hydrogen ions which often results in a new chemical species. Proton donation is not just about losing a hydrogen ion; it’s about participating in an interaction that restores balance in the chemical environment.
This transformation exemplifies the role of \[ \mathrm{H}_3\mathrm{PO}_4 \] as a Brønsted-Lowry acid because it participates in donating a proton.
Understanding proton donation involves recognizing the feature of substances that enable them to relinquish a hydrogen ion. With each proton release, these substances become lesser in hydrogen ions which often results in a new chemical species. Proton donation is not just about losing a hydrogen ion; it’s about participating in an interaction that restores balance in the chemical environment.
Proton Acceptance
Complementing the idea of proton donation in the Brønsted-Lowry theory is proton acceptance. This notion pertains to a chemical species that has the capability to accept a hydrogen ion. It is crucial in identifying bases in chemical reactions. For example, the hydroxide ion \( \mathrm{OH}^- \) in the equation acts as a proton acceptor.
Upon accepting a proton from \( \mathrm{H}_3\mathrm{PO}_4 \), the hydroxide ion transforms into water \( \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} \).
The ability of a base to accept protons facilitates the transformation of acids and bases during a reaction. Recognizable by the hydroxide ion's attraction to protons, this acceptance signifies a base's role in the Brønsted-Lowry concept. This process of proton acceptance underscores the dynamic nature of chemical interactions, where substances constantly shift between accepting and donating protons, thus governing the acid-base balance in solutions.
Upon accepting a proton from \( \mathrm{H}_3\mathrm{PO}_4 \), the hydroxide ion transforms into water \( \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} \).
The ability of a base to accept protons facilitates the transformation of acids and bases during a reaction. Recognizable by the hydroxide ion's attraction to protons, this acceptance signifies a base's role in the Brønsted-Lowry concept. This process of proton acceptance underscores the dynamic nature of chemical interactions, where substances constantly shift between accepting and donating protons, thus governing the acid-base balance in solutions.
Chemical Equation Analysis
Chemical equation analysis is invaluable in understanding the interactions within a reaction. It provides a visual representation of the substances before and after the chemical process, showing how reactants transform into products.
In our given equation:\[ \mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{PO}_{4} + \mathrm{OH}^{-} \rightarrow \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{PO}_{4}^{-} + \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O} \]we observe the process of proton donation and acceptance effectively.
Analyzing such equations involves pinpointing each reactant's role, determining which component donates a proton, and which accepts it.
In our given equation:\[ \mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{PO}_{4} + \mathrm{OH}^{-} \rightarrow \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{PO}_{4}^{-} + \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O} \]we observe the process of proton donation and acceptance effectively.
Analyzing such equations involves pinpointing each reactant's role, determining which component donates a proton, and which accepts it.
- First, look for the starting materials: \( \mathrm{H}_{3}\mathrm{PO}_{4} \) and \( \mathrm{OH}^- \).
- Note the transformation of \( \mathrm{H}_3\mathrm{PO}_4 \) to \( \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{PO}_4^- \) (a proton loss).
- Recognize \( \mathrm{OH}^- \) turning into \( \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} \) (a proton gain).