Question

Which is the stronger acid, H₂SO₄ or H₂SeO₄? Why?

a. H₂SO₄:
H₂SO₄ is stronger due to its larger size.
b. H₂SeO₄:
H₂SeO₄ is stronger due to selenium's lower electronegativity.
c. H₂SO₄:
H₂SO₄ is stronger due to sulfur's lower electronegativity.
d. H₂SeO₄:
H₂SeO₄ is stronger due to its larger size.

Answer 1

Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is stronger than selenic acid (H₂SeO₄) because sulfur is more electronegative than selenium, which stabilizes the charge on the conjugate base, making the acid stronger.

Step-by-step explanation:

The strength of an acid in oxyacids, where the central atoms have the same oxidation number, is dependent on the electronegativity of the central atom.

Since sulfur (S) is more electronegative than selenium (Se), sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is the stronger acid compared to selenic acid (H₂SeO₄).

This higher electronegativity leads to better stabilization of the negative charge in the conjugate base, making the acid more prone to lose its proton (H+).