Acid/Base

[AllahIsGreater]

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When trying to figure out the strongest acid/ strongest base. When do we use know to compare by size vs comparing electro-negativity. chad said size always dominates...but while doing his quiz, that wasnt the case one on question. can you guys clear this up for me. thanks alot!

 

[bharat008]

Could you post the questoin?? it would be easier to explain that way..

But yes size does predominate when comparing in same column..

 

[AllahIsGreater]

Im having trouble uploading the screen shot. How about i rephrase the question. When comparing two elements in a column we must compare their size my question is::::: is the heavier element the more stable element or the least stable element.

 

[bharat008]

Im having trouble uploading the screen shot. How about i rephrase the question. When comparing two elements in a column we must compare their size my question is::::: is the heavier element the more stable element or the least stable element.

If you are comparing binary acids then yes the heavier element would be more acidic b/c its base is more stable since it would be able to spread the negative charge around its huge size.

HF and HI = The bond between HF is shorter and stronger so when you put it in water then it wouldn't dissociate that easily. ON the other hand, the bond between HI is longer and weaker since I is large; therefore it would dissociate more easily compared to HF. Therefore, HI is a stronger acid since it dissociates better than HF. You can also compare their bases F- and I-; I- will spread the negative charge around its large size making it more stable therefore its acid would be more reactive or acidic.

Hope this helps..

 

[AllahIsGreater]

If you are comparing binary acids then yes the heavier element would be more acidic b/c its base is more stable since it would be able to spread the negative charge around its huge size.

HF and HI = The bond between HF is shorter and stronger so when you put it in water then it wouldn't dissociate that easily. ON the other hand, the bond between HI is longer and weaker since I is large; therefore it would dissociate more easily compared to HF. Therefore, HI is a stronger acid since it dissociates better than HF. You can also compare their bases F- and I-; I- will spread the negative charge around its large size making it more stable therefore its acid would be more reactive or acidic.

Hope this helps..

Thank you very much. Its makes perfect sense. I appreciate the help.