Question

hydrogen selenide (h₂se) reacts with water according to the following equation. h₂se + h₂o → seh⁻ + h₃o⁺ in three to five sentences, identify the acid, base, conjugate acid, and conjugate base in this reaction. use the periodic table to explain why each substance acted as the acid or the base in this reaction.

Explanation:

In the reaction $\mathrm{H_2Se + H_2O
ightarrow SeH^-+H_3O^+}$, $\mathrm{H_2Se}$ is the acid as it donates a proton ($\mathrm{H^+}$). $\mathrm{H_2O}$ is the base as it accepts a proton. The conjugate base is $\mathrm{SeH^-}$ (formed when $\mathrm{H_2Se}$ donates a proton) and the conjugate acid is $\mathrm{H_3O^+}$ (formed when $\mathrm{H_2O}$ accepts a proton). From the periodic table, selenium is less electronegative than oxygen. So, $\mathrm{H_2Se}$ can more readily donate a proton compared to $\mathrm{H_2O}$, making $\mathrm{H_2Se}$ the acid and $\mathrm{H_2O}$ the base.

Answer:

The acid is $\mathrm{H_2Se}$, the base is $\mathrm{H_2O}$, the conjugate base is $\mathrm{SeH^-}$, and the conjugate acid is $\mathrm{H_3O^+}$.