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A researcher attempted to identify an unknown AOm(OH)n compound. The compound completely dissolved in water and weakly conducted electricity. The hydrogen ion concentration of the unknown aqueous solution was 1 × 10-5 M.

The unknown compound was probably a:
A. weak base.
B. strong base.
C. weak acid.
D. strong acid.

User Sandee
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The unknown AOm(OH)n compound with a hydrogen ion concentration of 1 × 10^-5 M suggests that the substance is a weak acid, as the concentration is higher than in pure water but not as high as what you would expect from a strong acid.

Step-by-step explanation:

To identify whether an unknown AOm(OH)n compound is a strong base, weak base, strong acid, or weak acid, one can use the provided hydrogen ion concentration. In this case, the unknown aqueous solution has a hydrogen ion concentration of 1 × 10-5 M. Since this concentration of hydrogen ions is less than the concentration in pure water (1.0 × 10-7 M at 25 °C), but notably more than that of a typical weak acid, it suggests that the substance is a weak acid.

Weak acids partially dissociate in water, so the hydrogen ion concentration ([H3O+]) or hydroxide ion concentration ([OH-]) in the solution is not equal to the concentration of the weak acid or weak base itself but is determined experimentally. In contrast, a strong acid would have a hydrogen ion concentration equal to its molarity, and for a strong base, the hydroxide ion concentration would match its molarity due to complete dissociation in water.

User GirishK
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