Quote:
Originally posted by Dreamerish*~
A strong acid forms a weak conjugate base, and a strong base forms a weak conjugate acid.
When a strong acid reacts with a strong base, both conjugate acid and base are weak, therefore the salt solution is neutral.
When a weak acid reacts with a weak base, both conjugate acid and base are strong, therefore the salt solution is neutral.
When a strong acid reacts with a weak base, the conjugate base is weak, therefore the pH of the salt solution leans to the left of 7.
When a weak acid reacts with a strong base, the conjugate acid is weak, therefore the pH of the salt solution leans to the right of 7.
I'm quite sure I'm not wrong, hope that wasn't too confusing.
|
Just to fix up your terminology, the conjugate base of a strong acid is a
negligible base and similarly for a base. The conjugate base of a weak acid is a
weak base. Negligible acids and bases mean that the respective equilibria lie
completely (well barring a very, very, small fraction of molecules) to the left. Weak acids and bases can cause pH shifts from neutral conditions in whatever medium.