Question

Rank the compounds below with the strongest acid at the top.

1) benzoic acid, ka = 6.46× 10-5
2) acetic acid, ka = 1.76× 10-5
3) hydrazoic acid, hn3
4) carbonic acid, H₂CO₃
5) formic acid, HCOOH

Answer 1

Compounds are ranked by comparing their acid-ionization constants (Ka values), where a higher Ka indicates a stronger acid. Without specific Ka values for all acids, the order reflects known data and typical acid strengths.

Step-by-step explanation:

To rank the compounds with the strongest acid at the top, we must look at their acid-ionization constants (Ka values). A higher Ka value indicates a stronger acid because it dissociates to a greater extent in solution, contributing to a higher concentration of hydronium ions. The Ka values provided in the question should be compared directly to determine the strongest acid.

1. Hydrazoic acid, HN3 (Ka value not provided, and it's a stronger acid than the others listed)
2. Benzoic acid, Ka = 6.46× 10^-5
3. Acetic acid, Ka = 1.76× 10^-5
4. Formic acid, HCOOH (Ka value not provided, but it is stronger than Acetic acid)
5. Carbonic acid, H₂CO₃ (Ka << 1.76× 10^-5, weaker than Acetic acid)