Chemistry: Which is more acidic?

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In summary, the relative acidity of H2SO4 and H2SeO4 can be explained by the presence of oxygen and the electronegativity of the central atom. While H2SeO4 may initially seem more acidic due to the larger size of Se, the presence of more oxygen in H2SO4 provides more resonance stability and the central atom of sulphur is more electronegative, resulting in a stronger acid.
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Homework Statement



Which is more acidic, and why?
[tex] H_{2}SO_{4} [/tex]
[tex] H_{2}SeO_{4} [/tex]


Homework Equations




The Attempt at a Solution


Because Se is larger, it has a weaker Coulomb force with the H atoms. So it will more readily give up the protons of the H atoms. Hence it should be more acidic, but turns out sulphuric acid is more acidic?

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BiP
 
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The general trend for oxyacids is as follows:

1. The more oxygen that is present, the more acidic the compound is. This is because more oxygens allow more resonance stability.

2. The more electronegative the central atom is, the more acidic it is. This is due to inductive effect where the oxygens that donate a proton are stablized by the central atom that can absorb some of the electron density and stabilize the conjugate base.
 

1. What is acidity in chemistry?

Acidity in chemistry refers to the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution. The more hydrogen ions present, the more acidic the solution is.

2. How is acidity measured?

Acidity is measured on a scale called the pH scale, which ranges from 0-14. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, while a pH below 7 is acidic and a pH above 7 is basic.

3. Which is more acidic: a lemon or an orange?

A lemon is more acidic than an orange. Lemons have a pH of around 2, while oranges have a pH of around 3. This is due to the higher concentration of citric acid in lemons.

4. How does acidity affect chemical reactions?

Acidity can affect the rate of a chemical reaction. In general, more acidic solutions tend to have faster reaction rates. This is because the high concentration of hydrogen ions makes it easier for reactants to come into contact and form products.

5. What are some common acids used in everyday life?

Some common acids used in everyday life include citric acid (found in fruits like lemons and oranges), vinegar (acetic acid), and battery acid (sulfuric acid). Acids are also commonly used in cleaning products and food preservation.

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