Question

What are the solute particles present in aqueous solutions of each compound acetic acid, hc2h3o2?

Answer 1

In addition to water, an aqueous solution of acetic acid shall contain a mixture of

• Acetic acid molecules
  `\text{CH}_3 \text{COOH} \; (aq)` or equivalently
  `\text{H} \text{C}_2\text{H}_3 \text{O}_2` that weren't dissociated.
• Hydronium ions
  `\text{H}_3\text{O}^(+) \; (aq)`, and
• Acetate ions
  `\text{CH}_3\text{COO}^(-) \; (aq)` or equivalently
  `{\text{C}_2\text{H}_3 \text{O}_2}^(-)`

Step-by-step explanation:

Like most acids
`\text{H} \text{C}_2\text{H}_3 \text{O}_2` combine with water molecules and ionizes produce hydronium ions and its conjugate base,
`{\text{C}_2\text{H}_3 \text{O}_2}^(-)`, when dissolved to form an aqueous solution.

`\text{H} \text{C}_2\text{H}_3 \text{O}_2 \; (aq) + \text{H}_2\text{O}\; (l) \rightleftharpoons {\text{C}_2\text{H}_3 \text{O}_2 \; (aq)}^(-) \; (aq) + {\text{H}_3\text{O}}^(+) \; (aq)`

However the ionization process does not proceed to completion for this weak electrolyte; a majority of
`\text{H} \text{C}_2\text{H}_3 \text{O}_2` would stay in the undissociated form while only trace amounts of hydronium ions and
`{\text{C}_2\text{H}_3 \text{O}_2}^(-)` are present in the solution.