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Why does hydronium dominate sulfuric acid in water?

a) Sulfuric acid is a weak acid.
b) Hydronium ions have a higher concentration.
c) Sulfuric acid dissociates completely in water.
d) The acidity of hydronium ions is stronger.

User Tim Stone
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Final answer:

Hydronium dominates sulfuric acid in water due to its higher concentration resulting from the ionization of the acid. Sulfuric acid is a strong acid that fully dissociates, leading to a higher concentration of hydronium ions in water.

Step-by-step explanation:

Compared with pure water, a solution of acid exhibits a higher concentration of hydronium ions (due to ionization of the acid) and a proportionally lower concentration of hydroxide ions. This may be explained via Le Châtelier's principle as a left shift in the water autoionization equilibrium resulting from the stress of increased hydronium ion concentration.

It is important to note that sulfuric acid is a strong acid and fully dissociates in water, resulting in a higher concentration of hydronium ions than other weaker acids. Therefore, hydronium dominates sulfuric acid in water due to its higher concentration.

User Garconis
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