Which of the following solutions is the most acidic? a. 0.2 M LiOH b. 0.2 M HI c. 1.0 M methanol (CH3OH)

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Identify the nature of each compound: LiOH is a strong base, HI is a strong acid, and methanol (CH3OH) is a neutral alcohol.

Consider the concentration of each solution: all are given in molarity (M), with LiOH and HI both at 0.2 M and methanol at 1.0 M.

Recall that the acidity of a solution is determined by the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+). Strong acids like HI dissociate completely in water, releasing H+ ions.

Compare the dissociation of each compound: HI will dissociate completely to produce H+ ions, while LiOH will produce OH- ions, and methanol will not dissociate to produce H+ or OH- ions.

Conclude that the solution with the highest concentration of H+ ions is the most acidic, which in this case is the 0.2 M HI solution.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Acidity and pH

Acidity refers to the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution, which determines its pH level. A lower pH value indicates a more acidic solution. The strength of an acid is often measured by its ability to dissociate in water, releasing H+ ions. Understanding the pH scale is crucial for comparing the acidity of different solutions.

Strong vs. Weak Acids

Strong acids, like hydroiodic acid (HI), completely dissociate in water, producing a high concentration of H+ ions. In contrast, weak acids do not fully dissociate, resulting in a lower concentration of H+. Recognizing the difference between strong and weak acids is essential for determining which solution is more acidic in a given comparison.

Neutralization and Basicity

Basic solutions, such as lithium hydroxide (LiOH), contain hydroxide ions (OH-) that can neutralize acids. A basic solution has a higher pH and lower acidity compared to acidic solutions. Understanding the properties of bases and their role in neutralization reactions helps in evaluating the acidity of various solutions in the context of the question.

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