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

User Luis Rizo
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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
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