Question

What is something that must be considered when determining the pH of a diprotic strong acid (H₂SO₄)?

a) Both H⁺ ions must be accounted for.
b) Only one H⁺ ion is relevant.
c) H⁺ ions are irrelevant.
d) H⁺ ions nullify each other.

Answer 1

When determining the pH of a diprotic strong acid, both H+ ions must be accounted for.

Step-by-step explanation:

When determining the pH of a diprotic strong acid like H2SO4, it is important to consider that both H+ ions must be accounted for. This is because the acid can ionize in two steps, releasing one H+ ion in the first step and another H+ ion in the second step. Therefore, both ionizations contribute to the overall concentration of H+ ions and the resulting pH of the solution.