Question

The equation below shows how hydrochloric acid (hcl) ionizes in aqueous solution. based on this equation, what can you infer about the acid ionization process?

Answer 1

Hydrochloric acid (HCl) ionizes completely in aqueous solution, releasing hydronium (H3O+) and chloride (Cl-) ions, which illustrates the acid's strong ionizing nature and its impact on the solution's pH.

Step-by-step explanation:

The equation describing hydrochloric acid (HCl) ionizing in aqueous solution indicates that HCl is a strong acid, completely dissociating into hydrogen ions (H+) and chloride ions (Cl-) when dissolved in water. In this reaction, hydrogen ions are better understood as hydronium ions (H3O+), as they are associated with water molecules. This complete ionization process is symbolized by the equation:

HCl(aq) + H2O(l) → H3O+(aq) + Cl­(aq)

This reaction tells us that HCl, when in aqueous solution, contributes to the acidity of the solution by increasing the concentration of hydronium ions, which determine the pH. Consequently, the solution initially has a pH lower than 7, indicating its acidic nature. Moreover, since HCl ionizes completely, as more acid enters the solution, the concentration of hydronium ions increases in proportion, further affecting the pH.

Answer 2

HCl(aq)+H2O(l)→H3O+(aq)+Cl−(aq) is the reaction. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a strong acid and each mole of HCl donates one proton (H+) to water, producing a hydronium cation H3O+. Ionization of hydrochloric acid leaves behind one Cl- anion in the solution. Thus, HCl is completely ionized in aqueous solution.