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Write the ionisation reactions for the following acids in water: a. HNO3 b. HC2H3O2

User Kiee
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Final answer:

The ionization reaction for nitric acid (HNO3), a strong acid, is HNO3(aq) + H2O(l) → H3O+(aq) + NO3-(aq). For acetic acid (HC2H3O2), a weak acid, the reaction is HC2H3O2(aq) + H2O(l) ⇌ H3O+(aq) + C2H3O2-(aq). Strong acids dissociate completely, while weak acids partially dissociate.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ionisation Reactions of Acids in Water

To write the ionisation reactions of acids in water, we consider whether the acid is strong or weak. A strong acid dissociates completely in water, while a weak acid only partially dissociates. Below are the ionisation reactions for the given acids:

a. Nitric Acid (HNO3)

HNO3(aq) + H2O(l) → H3O+(aq) + NO3−(aq)

b. Acetic Acid (HC2H3O2)

HC2H3O2(aq) + H2O(l) ⇌ H3O+(aq) + C2H3O2−(aq)

Note that nitric acid is a strong acid and dissociates completely, indicated by the one-way arrow (→), whereas acetic acid is a weak acid and only partially dissociates, indicated by the equilibrium arrows (⇌).

User Brian Mulcahy
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