QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
It is said that HClO₄ is a strong acid, whereas HClO₂ is a weak acid. What does this mean in terms of the extent to which the two substances are ionized in solution?
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Answer
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Step 1:I'll solve this problem step by step, explaining the difference between strong and weak acids in terms of their ionization.
Step 2:: Define Acid Ionization
A strong acid completely (or almost completely) dissociates in water, while a weak acid only partially dissociates.
Step 3:: Ionization of HClO₄ (Perchloric Acid)
HClO_{4} \rightarrow H^{+} + ClO_{4}^{-}
For a strong acid like HClO₄, the ionization is essentially 100% complete. This means when dissolved in water, the reaction goes essentially to completion:
Step 4:: Ionization of HClO₂ (Chlorous Acid)
HClO_{2} \rightleftharpoons H^{+} + ClO_{2}^{-}
For a weak acid like HClO₂, the ionization is only partial. The reaction establishes an equilibrium:
Step 5:: Quantitative Difference
- HClO₄: Virtually 100% of molecules dissociate into ions - HClO₂: Only a small fraction (typically 1 - 5%) of molecules dissociate into ions
Step 6:: Practical Implications
- Strong acids like HClO₄ produce more H⁺ ions in solution - Weak acids like HClO₂ produce fewer H⁺ ions in solution
Final Answer
The difference in ionization means that HClO₄ completely breaks apart into ions when dissolved in water, while HClO₂ only partially dissociates, leaving most molecules in their molecular form in solution.
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