Question

Consider three generic acids: HX , HY , and HZ . The number of H plus and X minus ions in solution is equal to the initial number of HX molecules added to the solution. One quarter of the HZ molecules form H plus and Z minus ions in solution. The other three quarters of the molecules remain as HZ in solution. One half of the HY molecules form H plus and Y minus ions in solution. The other half of the molecules remain as HY in solution. Arrange the acids according to strength.

Answer 1

Decreasing order of strength of the the acids :

`HX>HY>HZ`

Step-by-step explanation:

The strength of an acid is measured by their pH of aqueous solution.

`pH=-\log[H^+]`

`pH\propto (1)/([H^+])`

• Lower the pH more will be the hydrogen ions and stronger will be the acid.
• Higher the pH less will be the hydrogen ions and weaker will be the acid.

Solution of HX , has equal number of hydrogen ions as a that of its initial molecules o HX.

`[H^+]_x=[HX]`

Solution of HY , molecules of hydrogen ions are half of the molecules of HY.

`[H^+]_y=(1)/(2)[HY]`

Solution of HZ , one quarter molecules of hydrogen ions and three quarter of the molecules of HY.

`[H^+]_z=(1)/(4)[HZ]`

`[H^+]_x>[H^+]_y>[H^+]_z`

This means that HX is strongest acid followed by HY and then HZ.

Decreasing order of strength of the the acids :

`HX>HY>HZ`