Chapter 16, Problem 16.120QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}{\text{SO}}_{\text{4}}$ is a strong acid, but ${\text{HSO}}^{\text{-}}{}_{\text{4}}$ is a weak acid.  The difference in strength of these two related species has to be accounted.

Concept Information:

Strength of acid

The degree to which an acid produces hydrogen ion determines the strength of an acid.

In other words, it refers to the tendency or ability of an acid to lose a proton. The strength of all the acids will not be same.  The strength of an acid is measurable.

Based on the strength of the acid, acids can be classified as strong acids and weak acids.

Acids ionize in water.  Strong acids ionize completely whereas weak acids ionize to some limited extent.

To Explain: The difference in strength between ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}{\text{SO}}_{\text{4}}$ and ${\text{HSO}}^{\text{-}}{}_{\text{4}}$