Problem 2: For the following reaction, clearly label the acid, base, and conjugate base.

[tex]\[ NH_3 + HNO_3 \rightleftharpoons NH_4^{+} + NO_3^{-} \][/tex]



Answer :

Sure, let’s analyze the given chemical reaction step-by-step to identify the acid, base, conjugate acid, and conjugate base:

[tex]\[ NH_3 + HNO_3 \rightleftharpoons NH_4^+ + NO_3^- \][/tex]

### Step 1: Identify the Acid and Base in the Reactants
In the reactants, we have ammonia ([tex]\(NH_3\)[/tex]) and nitric acid ([tex]\(HNO_3\)[/tex]):

1. Nitric Acid ([tex]\(HNO_3\)[/tex]):
- Nitric acid ([tex]\(HNO_3\)[/tex]) is a well-known strong acid. It donates a proton ([tex]\(H^+\)[/tex]) in the chemical reaction.
- Therefore, [tex]\(HNO_3\)[/tex] is the acid.

2. Ammonia ([tex]\(NH_3\)[/tex]):
- Ammonia ([tex]\(NH_3\)[/tex]) is known to accept a proton ([tex]\(H^+\)[/tex]) in chemical reactions.
- Therefore, [tex]\(NH_3\)[/tex] acts as the base.

### Step 2: Determine the Conjugate Acid and Conjugate Base in the Products
In the products, we have ammonium ion ([tex]\(NH_4^+\)[/tex]) and nitrate ion ([tex]\(NO_3^-\)[/tex]):

1. Ammonium Ion ([tex]\(NH_4^+\)[/tex]):
- Ammonium ion ([tex]\(NH_4^+\)[/tex]) is formed when ammonia ([tex]\(NH_3\)[/tex]) accepts a proton ([tex]\(H^+\)[/tex]).
- As it is formed from the base, ammonium ion ([tex]\(NH_4^+\)[/tex]) is the conjugate acid.

2. Nitrate Ion ([tex]\(NO_3^-\)[/tex]):
- Nitrate ion ([tex]\(NO_3^-\)[/tex]) is formed when nitric acid ([tex]\(HNO_3\)[/tex]) donates a proton ([tex]\(H^+\)[/tex]).
- As it is formed from the acid, nitrate ion ([tex]\(NO_3^-\)[/tex]) is the conjugate base.

### Summary
- Acid: [tex]\(HNO_3\)[/tex] (Nitric Acid)
- Base: [tex]\(NH_3\)[/tex] (Ammonia)
- Conjugate Acid: [tex]\(NH_4^+\)[/tex] (Ammonium Ion)
- Conjugate Base: [tex]\(NO_3^-\)[/tex] (Nitrate Ion)

Thus, the complete identification for the given reaction is:
[tex]\[ NH_3 + HNO_3 \rightleftharpoons NH_4^+ + NO_3^- \][/tex]

- Acid: [tex]\(HNO_3\)[/tex]
- Base: [tex]\(NH_3\)[/tex]
- Conjugate Acid: [tex]\(NH_4^+\)[/tex]
- Conjugate Base: [tex]\(NO_3^-\)[/tex]