Question

Identify the weaker acid in each of the following pairs:

a. $\mathrm{HCl}\mathrm{or}{{\mathrm{HSO}}_4}^{-}$

b. ${\mathrm{HNO}}_2\mathrm{or}\mathrm{HF}$

c.${{\mathrm{HCO}}_3}^{-}\mathrm{or}{{\mathrm{NH}}_4}^{+}$

Short answer

a. The weaker acid is ${{\mathrm{HSO}}_4}^{-}$.

b. The weaker acid is $\mathrm{HF}$.

c. The weaker acid is${{\mathrm{HCO}}_3}^{-}$.

Step-by-step solution

Part (a) Given information

The given pair is$\mathrm{HCl}\mathrm{or}{{\mathrm{HSO}}_4}^{-}$.

Part (a) Explanation

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 acidic taste.

Weaker acids are the one that dissociates partially in an aqueous solution and has a stronger conjugate base.

${{\mathrm{HSO}}_4}^{-}$is the weaker acid as it has a stronger conjugate base while$\mathrm{HCl}$is a stronger acid.

Part (b) Given information

The given pair is${\mathrm{HNO}}_2\mathrm{or}\mathrm{HF}$

Part (b) Explanation

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 acidic taste.

Weaker acids are the one that dissociates partially in an aqueous solution and has a stronger conjugate base.

$\mathrm{HF}$ is the weaker acid as it has a stronger conjugate base.

Part (c) Given information

The given pair is${{\mathrm{HCO}}_3}^{-}\mathrm{or}{{\mathrm{NH}}_4}^{+}$.

Part (c) Explanation

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 acidic taste.

Weaker acids are the one that dissociates partially in an aqueous solution and has a stronger conjugate base.

${{\mathrm{HCO}}_3}^{-}$ is the weaker acid as it has a stronger conjugate base.