The Bronsted-Lowry concept does not allow us to predict the outcome of any acid-base combination. For that reason, empirical data is used to predict acid-base reaction equilibria. This data is compiled in the table entitled "Relative Strengths of Acids and Bases" that was introduced in Lesson One. The table appears on pages 8 and 9 of your Chemistry 30 data booklet and on page 829 of the textbook. A few points about the structure of this table are listed below:

• Columns 1 and 2 list the name and chemical formula for acids. Column 3 contains the chemical formula of the conjugate base for the acid shown in each row.
  
  
• Acids are listed by decreasing strength. The six acids listed above the shaded hydronium ion row are referred to as "strong acids"; all the acids listed below the hydronium ion are referred to as "weak acids".
  
  
• Bases are listed by increasing strength with the strongest bases at the bottom of the table (OH^-).
  
  
• Some entities occur in both columns of the Relative Strengths of Acids and Bases. These "amphiprotic" substances can behave as either acids or bases.