Give the conjugate acid for each compound below. hco3-

Answer is: conjugate acid for HCO₃⁻ is H₂CO₃.

According to Bronsted-Lowry theory acid are donor of protons and bases are acceptors of protons (the hydrogen cation or H⁺).

Hydrogencarbonate (HCO₃⁻) is Bronsted base and it can accept proton and become conjugate acid (carbonic acid H ₂CO₃):

HCO₃⁻ (aq) + H⁺ (aq) → H₂CO₃ (aq).