Question
Question: Why is the concentrated sulphuric acid a weaker acid compared to dilute sulphuric acid? a.) Less p...
Why is the concentrated sulphuric acid a weaker acid compared to dilute sulphuric acid?
a.) Less presence of OH−
b.) Easily gives H+
c.) Less presence of H+
d.) All of the above
Solution
Hint: We know that strength of an acid depends on the concentration of hydronium ions present in the solution. We know that sulphuric acid is a very strong acid.
Complete answer:
The chemical formula of sulphuric acid is H2SO4. It can give two H+ ions. And it is a strong acid that completely dissociates to H+and ions. Due to the presence of a higher amount of water sulphuric acid completely dissociates in dilute sulphuric acid. So, it has a higher amount of hydronium (H+) ion. Whereas in the presence of a higher amount of sulphuric acid, sulphuric acid doesn't dissociate completely into ions in aqueous solution. And here we know that the strength of acidity depends on the strength of H+ions. So, in dilute solution H+ are more and in concentrated solution H+are less. So, concentrated sulphuric acid is less acidic than dilute sulphuric acid. Below given is the dissociation reaction of sulphuric acid:
In concentrated sulphuric acid:
H2SO4(l)+2H2O→H3O+(aq)+HSO41(aq)
In dilute solution:
H2SO4(l)+2H2O→3H3O+(aq)+SO42−(aq).
So, from the above explanation we can say that option “C”.
Note: The new bond that results in the formation of H3O+is much stronger than the H-O bond in H2SO4 as evidenced by the very exothermic reaction that occurs when concentrated H2SO4 is added to water.