Question

ph, acids and bases quick check
use the reaction to answer the question.
hcl + h₂o → cl⁻ + h₃o⁺
which statement about the reaction is correct?
(1 point)
○ hcl is an acid, and cl⁻ is its conjugate base.
○ h₂o is an acid, and h₃o⁺ is its conjugate base.
○ hcl is an acid, and h₃o⁺ is its conjugate base.
○ h₂o is an acid, and cl⁻ is its conjugate base.

Explanation:

In the Brønsted - Lowry acid - base theory, an acid donates a proton ($H^+$) and forms its conjugate base. Here, $HCl$ donates a proton to $H_2O$ to form $Cl^-$ and $H_3O^+$. So $HCl$ is an acid and $Cl^-$ is its conjugate base. Water ($H_2O$) acts as a base by accepting the proton to form $H_3O^+$.

Answer:

$HCl$ is an acid, and $Cl^-$ is its conjugate base.