Which of the following is true about a conjugate base?

A conjugate base is indeed formed when an acid donates a proton (H+). In acid-base chemistry, when an acid reacts with a base, the acid donates a proton and is transformed into its conjugate base. This corresponds to the Brønsted-Lowry theory of acids and bases, where an acid is defined as a proton donor and a base as a proton acceptor.

For instance, in the case of hydrochloric acid (HCl), when it donates a proton to water, it becomes chloride ion (Cl−), which is its conjugate base. This interaction highlights the relationship between acids and their conjugate bases, emphasizing that the strength of the acid and the stability of its conjugate base are critical factors in determining the direction of the acid-base reaction.

Understanding conjugate bases is essential in the study of equilibrium and reaction dynamics in chemistry.