What is conjugate acid of nh3

General
1

what is conjugate acid of nh3

2

What is the conjugate acid of NH₃?

Answer:

The concept of conjugate acids and bases is central to the Brønsted-Lowry acid-base theory, which defines acids as proton donors and bases as proton acceptors. When a base accepts a proton (\text{H}^+), it forms its conjugate acid. In this context, let’s look at ammonia (NH₃).

How Does NH₃ Act as a Base?

Ammonia (\text{NH}_3) is a common base. As a base, \text{NH}_3 can accept a proton (\text{H}^+). The process can be represented by the following chemical equation:

[ \text{NH}_3 + \text{H}^+ \rightarrow \text{NH}_4^+ ]

Formation of Conjugate Acid

When \text{NH}_3 accepts a proton (\text{H}^+), it transforms into its conjugate acid, which is the ammonium ion (\text{NH}_4^+). In this reaction:

  • \text{NH}_3 (ammonia) acts as a Brønsted base.
  • \text{NH}_4^+ (ammonium ion) is the conjugate acid formed.

Chemical and Structural Description

The ammonia molecule (\text{NH}_3) consists of one nitrogen (N) atom bonded to three hydrogen (H) atoms. The nitrogen atom has a lone pair of electrons that makes \text{NH}_3 a Lewis base, capable of accepting a proton. Upon proton acceptance:

  • The lone pair on nitrogen accepts a proton (\text{H}^+).
  • This results in the formation of \text{NH}_4^+, which is the ammonium ion.

The chemical structure of \text{NH}_3 and \text{NH}_4^+ is as follows:

  • \text{NH}_3: Nitrogen is bonded to three hydrogen atoms, and it possesses a lone pair.
  • \text{NH}_4^+: Nitrogen is bonded to four hydrogen atoms, forming a positively charged ion due to the added proton.

Key Points

  • Conjugate Base: The substance that is left after an acid has donated a proton is called its conjugate base.
  • Conjugate Acid: The substance that is formed when a base accepts a proton is called its conjugate acid.

In summary, the conjugate acid of ammonia (\text{NH}_3) is the ammonium ion (\text{NH}_4^+). This is crucial in many chemical reactions and plays a significant role in acid-base chemistry.

I hope this detailed explanation clarifies the concept of the conjugate acid of \text{NH}_3. If you have any further questions or need additional explanations, feel free to ask!