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

Short 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-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)

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

Explanation Part (b)

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

Explanation Part (c)

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

Explanation Part (d)

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