Consider the following hypothetical acid-base reaction. A(aq) + B(aq) C(aq) + D(aq)
Weaker acid weaker base stronger acid stronger base
A) The position of the equilibrium favors the forward reaction.
B) The position of the equilibrium favors the reverse reaction.
C) Neither the forward nor the reverse reaction are favored at equilibrium.
D) The position of equilibrium cannot be predicted from the given data.

Question

Consider the following hypothetical acid-base reaction. A(aq) + B(aq)  C(aq) + D(aq)
Weaker acid weaker base stronger acid stronger base
A) The position of the equilibrium favors the forward reaction. 
B) The position of the equilibrium favors the reverse reaction. 
C) Neither the forward nor the reverse reaction are favored at equilibrium. 
D) The position of equilibrium cannot be predicted from the given data.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This reaction involves the transfer of a proton (H+) from A to B. The forward reaction is the ionization of A, which is the acid, and the reverse reaction is the combination of A- and B+, which forms the acid-base conjugate pair. Since the forward reaction involves a weaker acid and a weaker base, while the reverse reaction involves a stronger acid and a stronger base, the position of the equilibrium favors the formation of the acid-base conjugate pair, and thus the reverse reaction. Therefore, choice B is the best answer.

Consider the Following Hypothetical Acid-Base Reaction