Why is nitric acid considered a stronger acid than ethanoic acid?
Which of the following statements supports the fact that nitric acid is stronger than ethanoic acid?
a. As the boiling point of nitric acid is higher than the boiling point of ethanoic acid
b. As the ionization of nitric acid gives more H+ ions than the ionization of ethanoic acid
c. Nitric acid does not contain a carboxylic group
d. No correct answer
Answer:
The correct answer is option b. As the ionization of nitric acid gives more H+ ions than the ionization of ethanoic acid.
Nitric acid is stronger than ethanoic acid because it ionizes more fully in a solution, producing more H+ ions. The strength of an acid is determined by its degree of ionization not by its boiling point or the presence of certain groups in the molecule.
Explanation:
Nitric acid (HNO3) is considered stronger than ethanoic acid (CH3COOH) because of its ability to ionize more fully in a solution. Specifically, nitric acid is a strong acid because it dissociates completely into H+ ions (or protons) and NO3- ions in water. This is represented by the chemical equation: HNO3 --> H+ + NO3-. On the other hand, ethanoic acid is a weak acid, as it only partially dissociates in water, resulting in fewer H+ ions being produced. This is represented by the equilibrium: CH3COOH ⇌ H+ + CH3COO-.
The option 'b. As the ionization of nitric acid gives more H+ ions than the ionization of ethanoic acid' is the most appropriate answer. The strength of an acid is determined by the degree to which it ionizes in a solution, not its boiling point or whether it contains a carboxylic group.