Question

You really can't tell the difference between strong acids in water, why is this the case?

Usually in some solutions you can determine the difference in strength between two acids

Answer 1

(CH3)3N
NH3
NaOH
HC2H3O2

Answer 2

Which of the solutions above would be the best solvent to distinguish two strong acids?

Answer 3

We can't actually determine relative strength of ACIDS in water because as water in polar molecule and neutral also.When we add acid to water,it actually dissociates into ions . And we can't predict the strength with the help of ions.

Answer 4

For determining relative strength, we use that solution which can react .
Like in case we use NaOH, it is a strong base,if we react any acid with it, reaction occurs definitely.
But remember neutralisation reaction occurs when salt is produced and salt is produced when we add STRONG ACID to it.
And BASIC SALT is produced when we add WEAK ACID to it .

Answer 5

So, NaOH is likely to determine RELATIVE ACIDIC STRENGTH

Answer 6

Hope you understand and you have any doubts regarding this, please let me know.
@greatlife44

Answer 7

I guess it makes sense because strong acids have a tendency to completely dissociate so a solution like water would most likely pick up all the protons and there wouldn't be any difference

Answer 8

I am however wondering about this compound

ch3cooh

Answer 9

i think my book says this is the CH3COOH is the answer not sure why though I'll have to get back to this

i'm trying to think why this would/wouldnt be the answer.


We have a weak acid which partially dissociates, so it doesn't want to give up its proton that much.

Say if we had something like this:

CH3COOH + H2SO4

Answer 10

how would weak acid reacts with strong acid !

Answer 11

Yup,they can react too only in special case i.e TITRATION

Answer 12

but we are not considering this situation

Answer 13

I need to look at the answer again I don't have my book but I don't how this could be possible.

Answer 14

our aim is to determine relative strength of acids

Answer 15

But how would this work though? even in the titration like they are both acids.

Answer 16

yep ! please re-check your answer again :)

Answer 17

I will get back to you!

Answer 18

:D