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Which is the stronger acid?
A. HI
B. H₂Te?

1 Answer

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Final answer:

HI (hydroiodic acid) is the stronger acid compared to H₂Te (hydrogen telluride) because HI has a weaker bond and a larger anion size, which increases its acidity based on periodic trends.

The Correct Option is; A. HI

Step-by-step explanation:

Between hydroiodic acid (HI) and hydrogen telluride (H₂Te), the stronger acid is hydroiodic acid (HI). This can be understood by considering the general trend in acid strength.

According to periodic trends, acid strength increases as the size of the anion increases and the bond strength decreases in binary acids (acids that consist of hydrogen and one other element). In the periodic table, iodine (I) is located below tellurium (Te), making iodine larger.

Consequently, HI has a weaker H-I bond compared to the H-Te bond in H₂Te. A weaker bond makes it easier for the proton (H+) to dissociate, leading to a stronger acid. Additionally, strong acids like HI when compared to H₂Te demonstrate almost complete ionization in water.

This fact, supported by the relative strength descriptions provided in the reference, can be used to justify that HI is a stronger acid than H₂Te.

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