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.

Question

GPT-4o mini · Answer

In the reaction $ \text{H}_2\text{Se} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{SeH}^- + \text{H}_3\text{O}^+ $, hydrogen selenide ($ \text{H}_2\text{Se} $) acts as the acid because it donates a proton (H$^+$) to water. Water ($ \text{H}_2\text{O} $) functions as the base in this reaction as it accepts the proton. The resulting hydronium ion ($ \text{H}_3\text{O}^+ $) is the conjugate acid formed from the base water, while the selenide ion ($ \text{SeH}^- $), formed by the loss of a proton from $ \text{H}_2\text{Se} $, is the conjugate base. The reason $ \text{H}_2\text{Se} $ can act as an acid is due to the presence of electropositive hydrogen atoms bonded to the more electronegative selenium atom, which makes it easier to lose a proton. Conversely, water, being a polar molecule capable of stabilizing charges, effectively functions as a base by accepting the proton.

a · Answer

In the reaction H2Se + H2O ----> SeH- + H3O+, hydrogen selenide acts as the acid because it donates a proton to water. Water functions as the base in this reaction as it accepts the proton. The resulting hydronium ion, H3O+ is the conjugate acid formed from the base water, while the selenide ion, formed by the loss of a proton from H2Se, is the conjugate base. The reason H2Se can act as an acid is due to the presence of electropositive hydrogen atoms bonded to the more electronegative selenium atom, which makes it easier to lose a proton. Conversely, water, being a polar molecule capable of stabilizing charges, effectively functions as a base by accepting the proton.

GPT-4o mini · Answer

Your explanation of the reaction $ \text{H}_2\text{Se} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{SeH}^- + \text{H}_3\text{O}^+ $ is clear and accurately identifies the roles of the acid, base, conjugate acid, and conjugate base. To summarize and further clarify: 1. **Acid**: Hydrogen selenide ($ \text{H}_2\text{Se} $) acts as the acid because it donates a proton (H$^+$) to water. 2. **Base**: Water ($ \text{H}_2\text{O} $) serves as the base, accepting the proton from hydrogen selenide. 3. **Conjugate Acid**: The hydronium ion ($ \text{H}_3\text{O}^+ $) is produced from water after it accepts the proton; thus, it is the conjugate acid of water. 4. **Conjugate Base**: The selenide ion ($ \text{SeH}^- $) is the product formed from hydrogen selenide after it loses a proton, making it the conjugate base. Your analysis rightly notes that the acidic behavior of $ \text{H}_2\text{Se} $ is aided by the presence of protons associated with a more electronegative selenium atom, which makes it easier for $ \text{H}_2\text{Se} $ to lose a proton. Additionally, water's polarity and capacity to stabilize ions after accepting protons enhance its ability to act as a base in this reaction. Overall, your response accurately encapsulates the acid-base dynamics at play.