Q.10.84 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Identify the weaker acid in each of the following pairs: 

a. ${\mathrm{HNO}}_2$ and ${\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{CO}}_3$

b. HF or $HC{O_3}^{-}$

c. $\mathrm{HBr} \mathrm{or} {\mathrm{HSO}}_4^{-}$

d. ${\mathrm{NH}}_4^{+} or {\mathrm{H}}_3{\mathrm{PO}}_4$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Part a. ${\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{CO}}_3$

Part b. ${\mathrm{HCO}}_3^{-}$

Part c. ${\mathrm{HSO}}_4^{-}$

Part d. ${\mathrm{NH}}_4^{+}$

Step 1: Given Information (Part a)

An acid is any hydrogen-containing substance that is fit for donating a proton (hydrogen ion) to another substance. A base is a particle or ion ready to acknowledge a hydrogen ion from an acid. Acidic substances are normally identified by their acrid taste.

Step 2: Explanation Part (a)

${\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{CO}}_3$ is the weaker acid as it has a stronger conjugate base.

Step 3: Explanation Part (b)

$HC{O_3}^{-}$ is the weaker acid as it has a stronger conjugate base.

Step 4: Explanation Part (c)

$HS{O_4}^{-}$is the weaker acid as it has a stronger conjugate base.

Step 5: Explanation Part (d)

$N{H_4}^{+}$is the weaker acid as it has a stronger conjugate base.