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Amphoteric quiz

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Terms in this set (15)

  • What does it mean for a species to be amphoteric?
    An amphoteric species can act as both an acid and a base in chemical reactions.
  • What is the difference between amphoteric and amphiprotic species?
    Both terms refer to compounds that can act as acids or bases, but amphiprotic specifically involves the transfer of protons (H+).
  • Why is water considered an amphoteric species?
    Water can donate an H+ to become OH- (acting as an acid) or accept an H+ to become H3O+ (acting as a base).
  • What happens when water acts as an acid?
    Water donates an H+ ion, forming its conjugate base, OH-.
  • What happens when water acts as a base?
    Water accepts an H+ ion, forming its conjugate acid, H3O+.
  • What are polyprotic acids?
    Polyprotic acids are acids that contain more than one H+ ion in their formula, such as H2SO4, H3PO4, and H2CO3.
  • What is a partially dissociated conjugate base of a polyprotic acid?
    It is the form of the acid after losing one H+ ion, such as HSO4-, H2PO4-, or HCO3-.
  • Why are partially dissociated conjugate bases of polyprotic acids amphoteric?
    They can both donate and accept H+ ions, allowing them to act as acids or bases.
  • What common features do amphoteric species have?
    They usually possess at least one H+ and a negative charge, except for water which lacks a negative charge.
  • How can you identify an amphoteric species from its formula?
    Look for a species with an H at the front and a negative charge at the end, though water is an exception.
  • Is water the only amphoteric species?
    No, other species like HSO4-, H2PO4-, and HCO3- are also amphoteric.
  • What is the conjugate base of water when it acts as an acid?
    The conjugate base is OH- (hydroxide ion).
  • What is the conjugate acid of water when it acts as a base?
    The conjugate acid is H3O+ (hydronium ion).
  • What is the significance of the negative charge in amphoteric species?
    The negative charge allows the species to accept an H+ and act as a base, while the H+ allows it to donate and act as an acid.
  • Can a compound be amphoteric if it does not have a negative charge?
    Yes, water is an example of an amphoteric compound without a negative charge.