Final answer:
In an aqueous solution of sulfuric acid, due to its strong acid nature, H2SO4 molecules are almost completely dissociated into ions, resulting in the smallest concentration of undissociated H2SO4 molecules.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student asked which component of an aqueous solution of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) will have the smallest concentration value, given the options: H⁺ ions, SO4²⁻ ions, H2SO4 molecules, and HSO4⁻ ions.
Sulfuric acid is a strong acid, meaning it dissociates completely in aqueous solution into H⁺ ions and HSO4⁻ ions. The HSO4⁻ ion then partially dissociates into H⁺ ions and SO4²⁻ ions. However, since H2SO4 is a strong acid and has a very high tendency to lose its first proton, very few H2SO4 molecules remain undissociated in solution. Consequently, H2SO4 molecules would be expected to have the smallest concentration value among the given components in an aqueous solution of sulfuric acid.