Question
Question: Which of following is more acidic in its following aqueous A. \[{H_2}O\] B. \({H_2}S\) C.\({H...
Which of following is more acidic in its following aqueous
A. H2O
B. H2S
C.H2Se
D.H2Te.
Solution
Acid strength measures the ability of the acid to lose its H+ ion. Higher the H+ ion loss in aqueous solution higher will be acidic strength. A strong acid completely ionizes in a solution whereas a weak acid only partially ionizes.
Complete answer:
The strength of an acid depends on the following two factors.
Strength of H−A bond
Polarity of H−A bond
In general if the strength of H−A bond is weaker, the acid will be stronger . Similarly, if the polarity of H−A bond is greater, stronger is the acid. These two factors make the dissociation of acid molecules into H+ and A- easier results in the increase in the acidity.
As the atom becomes larger, the bond gets weaker. Consequently, acid strength increases therefore the atomic size of A also affects the acid strength.
So in option no (A) H2O will be least acidic because H-A bond is stronger in H2O also atomic size of Oxygen atom is least in its group therefore bond will be stronger and it will be least acid.
Similarly Te is the largest atom in the above option. So Te will have the weakest H-A bond and strongest acidic character. Also the polarity of Teis greatest among options.
So the correct option is option D.
Note: However, bond strength is a more determining factor when we consider and compare acid strengths of elements in the same group of the periodic table, using the above two factors.