Question

describe the difference between a monoprotic acid and a triprotic acid. How does a triprotic acid generate hydrogen ions?

Answer 1

Monoprotic acids contain one ionizable hydrogen atom, while triprotic acids contain three ionizable hydrogen atoms. Triprotic acids, like phosphoric acid, generate hydrogen ions through stepwise ionization reactions.

Step-by-step explanation:

A monoprotic acid is an acid that contains only one ionizable hydrogen. Examples of monoprotic acids include hydrochloric acid (HCl) and acetic acid (CH3COOH). On the other hand, a triprotic acid is an acid that contains three ionizable hydrogens. An example of a triprotic acid is phosphoric acid (H3PO4).

When a triprotic acid like phosphoric acid dissociates, it releases hydrogen ions (H+) in a stepwise manner. The acid goes through a series of ionization reactions, each removing one proton. For example, phosphoric acid first donates one hydrogen ion (H+) to form dihydrogen phosphate ion (H2PO4-), then donates a second hydrogen ion to form hydrogen phosphate ion (HPO42-), and finally donates the third hydrogen ion to form phosphate ion (PO43-).

Answer 2

With the Bronsted-Lowry theory of acids and bases, acids donate protons to other substances. A monoprotic acid is an an acid that can only supply one proton (hydrogen). A triprotic acid is an an acid that can supply up to three protons (hydrogens). A triprotic acid get get its hydrogen ions by receiving them from a base.