Chapter 13, Problem 1SC

Which property is not generally associated with acids?

1. sour taste

2. volatility

3. ability to neutralize bases

4. ability to dissolve metals

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Out of the given options, the incorrect property regarding acids is to be determined.

Concept Introduction:

Acid is a molecule or an ion capable of releasing a proton (or hydrogen ion, ${\text{H}}^{\text{+}}$) when dissolved in water. They generally act as Lewis acids where they readily accept pair(s) of electrons or in other words, they are electron pair acceptors.

Answer to Problem 1SC

Correct answer: Option (b).

Explanation of Solution

Reason for the correct option:

Acids generally form polar covalent bonds, where a pair of electrons is unequally shared between the two atoms because of their electronegativity difference. It is a type of covalent bond that tends to hold atoms or molecules together and this makes it difficult for molecules to escape as vapour.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Reason for the incorrect options:

Option (a) is incorrect because acidic foods are believed to taste sour because of hydrogen ion $\left({\text{H}}^{\text{+}}\right)$ concentration.

Option (c) is incorrect because acids show neutralization reaction in which they neutralize bases into their respective salts and involvement of ${\text{H}}^{\text{+}}$ and ${\text{OH}}^{-}$ form water.

Option (d) is incorrect because acids readily donate protons (or hydrogen ions ${\text{H}}^{\text{+}}$) and when they react with metals, they dissolve them by forming metallic salts.

Hence, options (a), (c), and (d) are incorrect.