Question

The fewer oxygens attached to Y, the (weaker/stronger) the oxyacid. Why?

A) Weaker: Fewer oxygens weaken and polarize the H-O bond.
B) Stronger: Fewer oxygens strengthen and polarize the H-O bond.
C) Weaker: Fewer oxygens strengthen and stabilize the H-O bond.
D) Stronger: Fewer oxygens weaken and stabilize the H-O bond.

Answer 1

The fewer oxygens attached to Y, the weaker the oxyacid. This is because adding terminal oxygen atoms causes electrons to be drawn away from the O-H bond, making it weaker and increasing the strength of the acid.

Step-by-step explanation:

The fewer oxygens attached to Y, the weaker the oxyacid. This is because adding terminal oxygen atoms causes electrons to be drawn away from the O-H bond, making it weaker.

As a result, the acid becomes stronger. This is due to the high electronegativity of oxygen, which is the second most electronegative element. The fewer oxygens attached to Y, the weaker the oxyacid. This is because adding terminal oxygen atoms causes electrons to be drawn away from the O-H bond, making it weaker and increasing the strength of the acid.