Select The Correct Answer.What Is A Property Of 1.0M HCl But Not A Property Of 1.0M CH₃COOH?A. HCl Ionizes Completely.B. HCl Has A PH Less Than 7.0.C. HCl Produces H₃O⁺ In A Solution.

Introduction

In chemistry, acids are substances that donate hydrogen ions (H⁺) or release H⁺ when dissolved in water. Acids can be classified into two main categories: strong acids and weak acids. Strong acids are those that completely dissociate or ionize in water, producing a high concentration of hydrogen ions. On the other hand, weak acids only partially dissociate, resulting in a lower concentration of hydrogen ions. In this article, we will discuss the properties of 1.0M HCl (hydrochloric acid) and 1.0M CH₃COOH (acetic acid), a weak acid, and determine which property is unique to HCl.

Properties of Strong Acids

Strong Acids Completely Ionize in Water

Strong acids, such as HCl, completely dissociate or ionize in water. This means that when HCl is dissolved in water, it breaks down into its constituent ions: H⁺ (hydrogen ions) and Cl⁻ (chloride ions). The complete ionization of HCl is represented by the following equation:

HCl (aq) → H⁺ (aq) + Cl⁻ (aq)

Strong Acids Produce a High Concentration of Hydrogen Ions

The complete ionization of strong acids like HCl results in a high concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) in the solution. This is because the acid completely dissociates, releasing a large number of H⁺ ions into the solution. The high concentration of H⁺ ions is responsible for the acidic nature of the solution.

Properties of Weak Acids

Weak Acids Only Partially Dissociate in Water

Weak acids, such as CH₃COOH, only partially dissociate or ionize in water. This means that when CH₃COOH is dissolved in water, it breaks down into its constituent ions: H⁺ (hydrogen ions) and CH₃COO⁻ (acetate ions), but to a much lesser extent than strong acids. The partial ionization of CH₃COOH is represented by the following equation:

CH₃COOH (aq) ⇌ H⁺ (aq) + CH₃COO⁻ (aq)

Weak Acids Produce a Low Concentration of Hydrogen Ions

The partial ionization of weak acids like CH₃COOH results in a low concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) in the solution. This is because the acid only partially dissociates, releasing a small number of H⁺ ions into the solution. The low concentration of H⁺ ions is responsible for the weakly acidic nature of the solution.

Comparison of Properties

Now that we have discussed the properties of strong and weak acids, let's compare the properties of 1.0M HCl and 1.0M CH₃COOH.

• Ionization: HCl completely ionizes in water, while CH₃COOH only partially dissociates.
• Hydrogen Ion Concentration: HCl produces a high concentration of hydrogen ions, while CH₃COOH produces a low concentration of hydrogen ions.
• pH: HCl has a pH less than 7.0, while CH₃COOH has a pH close to 7.0.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the property that is unique to 1.0M HCl but not a property of 1.0M CH₃COOH is that HCl completely ionizes in water, producing a high concentration of hydrogen ions. This is in contrast to CH₃COOH, which only partially dissociates, resulting in a low concentration of hydrogen ions. Understanding the properties of strong and weak acids is essential in chemistry, as it helps us predict the behavior of acids in different solutions.

References

• Atkins, P. W., & De Paula, J. (2010). Physical chemistry (9th ed.). Oxford University Press.
• Chang, R. (2010). Chemistry (10th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
• Petrucci, R. H., Harwood, W. S., & Herring, F. G. (2006). General chemistry: Principles and modern applications (9th ed.). Pearson Prentice Hall.
  Q&A: Understanding the Properties of Strong and Weak Acids ===========================================================

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between a strong acid and a weak acid?

A: Strong acids, such as HCl, completely dissociate or ionize in water, producing a high concentration of hydrogen ions. Weak acids, such as CH₃COOH, only partially dissociate, resulting in a low concentration of hydrogen ions.

Q: Why do strong acids completely ionize in water?

A: Strong acids have a high concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) that are strongly attracted to the water molecules (H₂O). This results in the complete dissociation of the acid into its constituent ions.

Q: Why do weak acids only partially dissociate in water?

A: Weak acids have a low concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) that are weakly attracted to the water molecules (H₂O). This results in the partial dissociation of the acid into its constituent ions.

Q: What is the pH of a strong acid solution?

A: The pH of a strong acid solution is less than 7.0, indicating an acidic solution.

Q: What is the pH of a weak acid solution?

A: The pH of a weak acid solution is close to 7.0, indicating a weakly acidic solution.

Q: Can a weak acid be made stronger?

A: Yes, a weak acid can be made stronger by increasing the concentration of the acid or by adding a strong acid to the solution.

Q: Can a strong acid be made weaker?

A: No, a strong acid cannot be made weaker by simply adding water or another substance to the solution. The acid will still completely dissociate and produce a high concentration of hydrogen ions.

Q: What is the importance of understanding the properties of strong and weak acids?

A: Understanding the properties of strong and weak acids is essential in chemistry, as it helps us predict the behavior of acids in different solutions. This knowledge is crucial in various fields, including chemistry, biology, and medicine.

Q: Can you give an example of a strong acid and a weak acid?

A: Yes, an example of a strong acid is HCl (hydrochloric acid), while an example of a weak acid is CH₃COOH (acetic acid).

Q: Can you give an example of a situation where the properties of strong and weak acids are important?

A: Yes, an example of a situation where the properties of strong and weak acids are important is in the production of pharmaceuticals. Strong acids are often used as catalysts in the synthesis of certain medications, while weak acids are used as solvents or as part of the active ingredient.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the properties of strong and weak acids is essential in chemistry. By knowing the differences between strong and weak acids, we can predict the behavior of acids in different solutions and apply this knowledge in various fields.