Rank the following species in order of increasing acidity: NH4^+, H2 O, HF, HSO4^-

Name: Problem 83, Chapter 15: Chemistry Principles and Practice
Uploaded: 2022-02-20T23:47:45-08:00
Duration: 1 min 53 s
Channel: Adriano Chikande
Description: Rank the following species in order of increasing acidity: NH4^+, H2 O, HF, HSO4^-

step 1 In answering this question, we have to recall that the higher the CA, it means the higher the ac

Rank the following species in order of increasing acidity:...

Key Concepts

Acid Dissociation Constant (Ka) and pKa

Acid strength is quantified using the acid dissociation constant (Ka) and its logarithmic form (pKa). A lower pKa indicates a stronger acid since it more readily donates a proton. This concept allows for a numerical comparison of acid strengths and is fundamental in ranking acids by their ability to release hydrogen ions.

Conjugate Acid-Base Relationships

Every acid has a corresponding conjugate base formed when the acid donates a proton. The relative stability of the conjugate base significantly influences the strength of the acid. A more stable conjugate base makes the parent acid stronger, as the equilibrium for proton donation is shifted toward its formation.

Electronegativity and Bond Polarity

The electronegativity of atoms within the acidic bond affects bond polarity and the ease of proton release. Higher electronegativity can stabilize the negative charge left on the conjugate base after deprotonation, thereby favoring the formation of the conjugate base and enhancing acidity.

Resonance Stabilization

Resonance stabilization involves the delocalization of electrons within a molecule or ion, which can distribute and stabilize the negative charge. In the context of acidity, if the conjugate base can delocalize its negative charge via resonance, the parent acid is generally stronger because the resulting conjugate base is more stable.

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