How is a conjugate acid-base pair identified?

A conjugate acid-base pair is identified by the difference in the number of protons, specifically one proton (H^+). When an acid donates a proton, it becomes its conjugate base. Conversely, when a base accepts a proton, it becomes its conjugate acid. This relationship establishes that for any acid-base reaction, the two species involved in the pair will have only one proton's difference in their chemical formulas.

For example, if we consider acetic acid (CH₃COOH) and its conjugate base, acetate (CH₃COO⁻), the difference is exactly one proton. This concept is crucial in acid-base theory, especially in understanding how acids and bases interact in aqueous solutions. The other options mentioned do not accurately define the relationship that characterizes a conjugate acid-base pair.