Which one of the following is a strong acid? A) HNO₂ B) HF C) HCIO4 D) HC₂H3O2

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Which one of the following is a strong acid?
### Identifying Strong Acids

When studying acids and bases, specifically in chemistry, it is important to differentiate between strong and weak acids. The strength of an acid is determined by its ability to dissociate completely in water. A strong acid will fully dissociate, releasing all of its hydrogen ions (H⁺) into the solution. Weak acids only partially dissociate.

#### Question:
Which one of the following is a strong acid?

A) HNO₂  
B) HF  
C) HClO₄  
D) HC₂H₃O₂

**Answer: C) HClO₄**

**Explanation:**
- **HNO₂ (Nitrous acid):** This is a weak acid, meaning it does not completely ionize in water.
- **HF (Hydrofluoric acid):** Despite being highly reactive and dangerous, HF is also considered a weak acid because it does not fully ionize in aqueous solutions.
- **HClO₄ (Perchloric acid):** This is a strong acid. Perchloric acid is known for its complete dissociation in water, making it one of the strongest acids.
- **HC₂H₃O₂ (Acetic acid):** This is also a weak acid and is the main component of vinegar.

Understanding the distinction between strong and weak acids is fundamental in chemistry, particularly when dealing with pH calculations, reaction mechanisms, and titrations.

Remember, strong acids completely dissociate in water:
\[ HClO₄ (aq) \rightarrow H^+ (aq) + ClO₄^- (aq) \]
Transcribed Image Text:### Identifying Strong Acids When studying acids and bases, specifically in chemistry, it is important to differentiate between strong and weak acids. The strength of an acid is determined by its ability to dissociate completely in water. A strong acid will fully dissociate, releasing all of its hydrogen ions (H⁺) into the solution. Weak acids only partially dissociate. #### Question: Which one of the following is a strong acid? A) HNO₂ B) HF C) HClO₄ D) HC₂H₃O₂ **Answer: C) HClO₄** **Explanation:** - **HNO₂ (Nitrous acid):** This is a weak acid, meaning it does not completely ionize in water. - **HF (Hydrofluoric acid):** Despite being highly reactive and dangerous, HF is also considered a weak acid because it does not fully ionize in aqueous solutions. - **HClO₄ (Perchloric acid):** This is a strong acid. Perchloric acid is known for its complete dissociation in water, making it one of the strongest acids. - **HC₂H₃O₂ (Acetic acid):** This is also a weak acid and is the main component of vinegar. Understanding the distinction between strong and weak acids is fundamental in chemistry, particularly when dealing with pH calculations, reaction mechanisms, and titrations. Remember, strong acids completely dissociate in water: \[ HClO₄ (aq) \rightarrow H^+ (aq) + ClO₄^- (aq) \]
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