Question

how does H2So4 break up to h+ & hso4 -

Answer 1

Are you asking in what ways can you make sulfuric acid dissociate?

Or are you asking how the process actually happens when it dissociates?

Answer 2

both

Answer 3

Well, sulfuric acid is a strong electrolyte. It will almost completely dissociate in water.

Dissociation of ionic compounds, like sulfuric acid, occurs when the water molecules basically pull the ionic bonds apart. This happens because of the high polarity of water molecules pulls them apart.

Answer 4

i just didnt understand how it breaks up into H+ and HSO4-

Answer 5

Water molecules are highly polar, so they pull on opposite ends of the molecule, pulling it apart.

Answer 6

also how do we know the chage n h is + and on the hso4 is minus

Answer 7

Ions of group 1 elements have a +1 charge.
Ions of group 2 elements have a +2 charge.
Nonmetal ions of group 15 have a -3 charge.
Nonmetal ions of group 16 have a -2 charge.
Nonmetal ions of group 17 have a -1 charge.

This nature comes about because atoms will tend to gain or lose atoms to get to their nearest full energy level.

If you've memorized your polyatomic ions, you will know that sulfate has a -2 charge.

Thus for your ions, you have...\[H^+\]Which we know exists as an ion as having a +1 charge.

And...\[HSO_4^-\]The hydrogen gives the ion a +1 charge and the sulfate gives it a -2. Add them up and you get the net charge: -1.

Answer 8

okay cool thank you . but how do you know thats how the molecule dissocates that way h+ and HSO4-

Answer 9

In this case, sulfuric acid is a STRONG acid, which means it will donate a proton (hydron; H+) when it dissociates.

Answer 10

can it donate two protons

Answer 11

Yes. And in this case, since sulfuric acid is a diprotic acid, it WILL donate two protons. The final dissociation would be...\[2H^++SO_4^{2-}\]

Answer 12

under which circumstance does it do that

Answer 13

I believe all, but I'm not sure. Keep in mind, though, that not ALL of the H2SO4 will dissociate. And from those molecules that do, not ALL of the HSO4 will dissociate. This has to do with equilibrium.

Answer 14

thank you for being so patient with me and answering my questions