The three diagrams represent three different solutions of the binary acid HA. Water molecules have been omitted for clarity, and hydronium ions (H3O+) are represented by hydrogen ions (H+). Rank the acids in order of decreasing strength.

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Identify the components in each diagram: HA molecules, H+ ions, and A- ions.

Understand that the strength of an acid is determined by its ability to donate protons (H+ ions).

For each diagram, count the number of H+ ions and compare it to the number of HA molecules.

The more H+ ions present relative to HA molecules, the stronger the acid, as it indicates more dissociation.

Rank the acids based on the ratio of H+ ions to HA molecules, from highest to lowest ratio, indicating decreasing acid strength.

Key Concepts

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

Acid Strength

Acid strength refers to the ability of an acid to donate protons (H+) in a solution. Strong acids completely dissociate in water, releasing all their protons, while weak acids only partially dissociate. The strength of an acid is often measured by its acid dissociation constant (Ka), with higher values indicating stronger acids.

Hydronium Ion Concentration

The concentration of hydronium ions (H3O+) in a solution is a direct indicator of the solution's acidity. When an acid donates a proton to water, it forms hydronium ions. A higher concentration of H3O+ correlates with a stronger acid, as it signifies more complete dissociation of the acid in the solution.

Binary Acids

Binary acids consist of two elements, typically hydrogen and a nonmetal. The strength of binary acids can be influenced by the electronegativity of the nonmetal and the bond strength between hydrogen and the nonmetal. Generally, as you move down a group in the periodic table, the bond strength decreases, leading to stronger acids.

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01:03

Binary Acids

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