38.9k views
2 votes
Which protons are given off by citric acid?
1) H+
2) OH⁻
3) H₃O+
4) H₂O

User Luis Rizo
by
7.7k points

1 Answer

1 vote

Final answer:

Citric acid gives off H+ ions, being a polyprotic acid capable of donating more than one proton per molecule when dissolved in water. Option 1 is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the options presented, citric acid gives off H+ when it dissociates in water. Citric acid is a weak polyprotic acid, meaning it can donate more than one proton (H+) per molecule. When citric acid dissolves in water, it undergoes a stepwise ionization process where protons are released into the solution, thus increasing the concentration of hydronium ions (H3O+).

Unlike what is suggested by option 2 (OH−) and option 4 (H2O), these are not protons but a hydroxide ion and a water molecule, respectively. Option 3 (H3O+) represents the hydronium ion, which is produced when an acid donates a proton to water, but it is not the proton given off.

User CMA
by
8.1k points

Related questions

asked May 18, 2024 37.1k views
Juancarlos asked May 18, 2024
by Juancarlos
8.2k points
1 answer
2 votes
37.1k views
1 answer
5 votes
158k views