Chapter 16, Problem 16.12QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The stronger acid in the given set of acid has to be identified and the reason for it has to be explained.

Concept Introduction: Acid strength is determined by comparing with other acids.  The ability of the acid to lose a proton determines its strength.  If an acid completely dissociates in solution means it is strong acid.  If an acid partially dissociates means it is weak acid.

Acid that contains oxygen is known as oxoacid.  This has at least a single hydrogen atom which is bonded to oxygen, which can dissociate to give a proton and anion of the acid.

The acid strength of oxoacid depends upon the oxidation number of the central atom and electronegativity of the same.  The more the oxidation number and electronegativity, the strength of oxoacid will be more.

If the oxoacid has more number of electronegative atom bonded then that oxoacid will be more acidic because the $\text{O-H}$ bond becomes more polar.  The more the bond is polar the more acidic the acid will be.

To Identify: The stronger acid in the given set of acids.