Question

Identify the stronger acid in each of the following pairs: (10.3)

a. HF or HCN

b. ${\mathrm{H}}_3{\mathrm{O}}^{+}\text{or}{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{S}$

c. ${\mathrm{HNO}}_2\text{or}{\mathrm{HC}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_3{\mathrm{O}}_2$

d. ${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\text{or}{\mathrm{HCO}}_3^{-}$

Short answer

Part a. HF

Part b.$H_3{O}^{+}$

Part c.$HN{O}_2$

Part d.$HC{O_3}^{-}$

Step-by-step solution

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.

Explanation Part (a)

HF is stronger acid as the conjugate base $F^{-}$of HF is weaker base than the conjugate base $C{N}^{-}$of HCN.

Explanation Part (b)

$H_3{O}^{+}$is stronger acid its conjugate base $H_{2}O$is a weaker base than the conjugate base of$H_{2}S$.

Explanation Part (c)

$HN{O}_2$is stronger acid its conjugate base $N{O_2}^{-}$is weaker than the conjugate base of${\mathrm{HC}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_3{\mathrm{O}}_2$.

Explanation Part (d)

$HC{O_3}^{-}$is stronger acid its conjugate base${{\mathrm{CO}}_3}^{2-}$is weaker than the conjugate base of$H_{2}O$.