acid/conjugate base pair
Definition
An acid/conjugate base pair refers to a set of two compounds, where one compound acts as an acid by donating a proton (H⁺) and the other compound acts as its conjugate base by accepting that proton. The acid and conjugate base in the pair differ only by the presence or absence of a proton.
Analogy
Think of an acid/conjugate base pair like a game of catch between friends. One friend throws the ball (the proton) and the other friend catches it. The person throwing is like the acid, as they donate the ball (proton), while the person catching is like the conjugate base, as they accept and hold onto the ball.
Related terms
Acid: A compound that donates protons (H⁺) during a chemical reaction.
Proton Donor: Another way to refer to an acid, emphasizing its role in donating protons.
Conjugate Base: The species formed after an acid has donated its proton.
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