Chapter 16: Problem 28
Which of the following is an acid? (a) \(\mathrm{P}(\mathrm{OH})_{3}\) (b) \(\mathrm{NaOH}\) (c) \(\mathrm{NH}_{4} \mathrm{OH}\) (d) \(\mathrm{Ca}(\mathrm{OH})_{2}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
(a) \(\mathrm{P(OH)}_{3}\) is an acid.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding Acids and Bases
An acid is a substance that donates protons (H鈦 ions) when dissolved in water, while a base is a substance that accepts protons. Bases often contain the hydroxide ion (OH鈦). In this exercise, identify the substances by their chemical formulas to determine which one acts as an acid.
02
Analyze the Given Substances
Look at each option: (a) \( \text{P(OH)}_{3} \) is phosphorous acid and contains hydroxide groups but acts as an acid. (b) \( \text{NaOH} \) is sodium hydroxide, a strong base. (c) \( \text{NH}_{4}\text{OH} \) is ammonium hydroxide, acting as a weak base. (d) \( \text{Ca(OH)}_{2} \) is calcium hydroxide, another base.
03
Identify the Acid
From the analysis in Step 2, \( \text{P(OH)}_{3} \) (phosphorous acid) can donate protons despite having OH groups in its formula. It behaves as an acid because it can release H鈦 ions.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Proton Donors
In chemistry, acids are known as proton donors. This means they have the ability to release hydrogen ions, or protons (H鈦), when they dissolve in water. The proton donor concept is fundamental because it helps define what makes a substance acidic. When these protons are released, they can interact with other molecules in solution often leading to an acidic environment.
For example, consider a general acid like hydrochloric acid (HCl). When it dissolves in water, it releases H鈦 ions into the solution:
For example, consider a general acid like hydrochloric acid (HCl). When it dissolves in water, it releases H鈦 ions into the solution:
- Releases H鈦 ions
- Increases acidity of the solution
Hydroxide Ion
The hydroxide ion (OH鈦) is a common feature in many bases. A base is typically defined as a substance that can accept protons, and often contains OH鈦 ions in its formula. The presence of hydroxide ions makes a solution basic or alkaline.
A classic example of a base is sodium hydroxide (NaOH), which dissociates in water to yield Na鈦 and OH鈦 ions:
A classic example of a base is sodium hydroxide (NaOH), which dissociates in water to yield Na鈦 and OH鈦 ions:
- NaOH ightarrow Na鈦 + OH鈦
- Contributes to a basic solution
Chemical Formula Analysis
Analyzing chemical formulas is crucial to understanding whether a compound is an acid or base. Chemical formulas give us insights into the composition and potential behavior of a substance in solution.
Let's break down a chemical formula into its components and understand what it tells us:
Let's break down a chemical formula into its components and understand what it tells us:
- Identify the elements present
- Determine the potential ions that may be released
- Understand possible molecular interactions
Phosphorous Acid
Phosphorous acid (
P(OH)鈧) is a unique compound that can sometimes confuse students due to its composition. While its formula includes hydroxyl groups, which are typically associated with bases, it behaves distinctly as an acid.
This is because phosphorous acid is capable of donating protons (H鈦 ions) in solution:
This is because phosphorous acid is capable of donating protons (H鈦 ions) in solution:
- Has acidic hydrogen atoms available for donation
- Releases H鈦 ions despite having OH groups