the concept of conjugate acids and bases

Conjugate acids and bases are pairs of substances that differ by the presence of one hydrogen ion (H⁺). When an acid donates a hydrogen ion, it becomes its conjugate base. Conversely, when a base accepts a hydrogen ion, it transforms into its conjugate acid. For example, when hydrochloric acid (HCl) gives up a hydrogen ion, it becomes chloride (Cl⁻), its conjugate base. Meanwhile, water (H₂O) can accept a hydrogen ion to become hydronium (H₃O⁺), its conjugate acid. This relationship helps us understand how substances interact in chemical reactions.