Question

What is the conjugate acid of ClO4-?

Answer 1

Here's how you go about acid/base chemistry

Explanation:

The Bronsted-Lowry definition of an acid is a proton donator and a base is a proton acceptor. A proton is synonymous to a `H^+` ion, so acid/ base chemistry is all about the `H^+`.

We can observe that the ion you were given, `ClO_4^_` has a one negative charge. meaning it has the capacity to accept on `H^+`.

Therefore, its conjugate acid is `HClO_4`. Notice the neutral charge and the presence of the `H^+`. That's the giveaway you're looking for.

Hope that helps!