Table of contents

1. Intro to General Chemistry3h 48m
2. Atoms & Elements4h 16m
3. Chemical Reactions4h 10m
4. BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
5. BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions48m
6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions3h 53m
7. Gases3h 49m
8. Thermochemistry2h 37m
9. Quantum Mechanics2h 58m
10. Periodic Properties of the Elements3h 9m
11. Bonding & Molecular Structure3h 29m
12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory1h 57m
13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces2h 23m
14. Solutions3h 1m
15. Chemical Kinetics2h 53m
16. Chemical Equilibrium2h 29m
17. Acid and Base Equilibrium5h 1m
18. Aqueous Equilibrium4h 47m
19. Chemical Thermodynamics1h 50m
20. Electrochemistry2h 42m
21. Nuclear Chemistry2h 36m
22. Organic Chemistry5h 7m
23. Chemistry of the Nonmetals2h 39m
24. Transition Metals and Coordination Compounds3h 16m

17. Acid and Base Equilibrium

Acids Introduction

General Chemistry

17. Acid and Base Equilibrium

Acids Introduction

Previous problemNext problem

Struggling with General Chemistry?

Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video

Multiple Choice

Which of the following acids would be classified as the strongest?

CH₄

NH₃

H₂O

PH₃

Previous problemNext problem

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the type of acids in the list. CH4, NH3, H2O, HF, and PH3 are all binary compounds, but only HF is a hydrogen halide, which is typically a strong acid.

Understand the concept of acid strength. Acid strength is determined by the ability of the acid to donate a proton (H+). Strong acids completely dissociate in water, while weak acids do not.

Consider the electronegativity of the atoms bonded to hydrogen. The more electronegative the atom, the stronger the acid. Fluorine (in HF) is the most electronegative element, making HF a strong acid.

Evaluate the bond strength between hydrogen and the other atom in the molecule. A weaker bond means the acid can more easily donate a proton. The H-F bond is weaker compared to the bonds in CH4, NH3, H2O, and PH3, facilitating proton donation.

Conclude that HF is the strongest acid among the given options due to its high electronegativity and relatively weaker bond strength, allowing it to dissociate more completely in water.