Chapter 6, Problem 6.14P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Which is the stronger acid, $\text{HBr}$ and $\text{HI}$, is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

As the atomic size of an element increases, its capacity to hold the negative charge increases. When two elements in the same column having a negative charge are compared, then the element down the column holds the negative charge better as compared to the element on the top of the column. Thus, the element with a larger size stabilizes the negative charge more as compared to the element with a smaller size. The least stable the conjugate base, the weaker is the acid.