Base-Acid Reactions: Sulfate Ions & Nitric Acid

In summary, sulphate ions and nitric acid do not react because sulphuric acid is a strong acid while nitric acid is a weak acid. The conjugate base of sulfuric acid, which is sulphate ions, is too weak to accept a proton from a weak acid like nitric acid. When a weak base and weak acid are present, they typically do not react. However, it should be noted that nitric acid is not as weak as it seems - it is actually 1000 times stronger than HSO4- and only 100 times weaker than H2SO4 in terms of dissociation constants.
  • #1
pivoxa15
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Sulphate ions and nitric acid wouldn’t react? Is it because sulfuric acid is a very strong acid, while nitric acids are very weak. So the conjugate base of sulfuric acid which is sulphate ions is very weak and too weak to accept the proton from a weak acid like nitric acid. When you have a weak base and weak acid, they usually don’t react. Is there a more proper/better way of explaining this?
 
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  • #2
Nitric acid is not that weak, in fact it is 1000 times stronger than HSO4-, although 100 times weaker than H2SO4 (in terms of dissociations constants).

Borek
 
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  • #3


Yes, your explanation is correct. Sulfate ions, being the conjugate base of sulfuric acid, are very weak bases and are unable to accept a proton from a weak acid like nitric acid. This is because the strength of an acid-base reaction depends on the relative strengths of the acid and base involved. In this case, sulfuric acid is a strong acid while nitric acid is a weak acid. As a result, the reaction between sulfate ions and nitric acid is not favorable and they do not react with each other.
 

1. What is a base-acid reaction?

A base-acid reaction is a chemical reaction that occurs between an acid and a base, resulting in the formation of a salt and water. It is also known as a neutralization reaction.

2. What are sulfate ions?

Sulfate ions are negatively charged molecules made up of one sulfur atom and four oxygen atoms. They are commonly found in many minerals and are also present in substances such as sulfuric acid and sulfates.

3. How does nitric acid react with sulfate ions?

Nitric acid reacts with sulfate ions by donating a proton (H+) to the sulfate ions, forming hydrogen sulfate ions (HSO4-) and water. This is an example of a base-acid reaction.

4. What is the importance of sulfate ions and nitric acid in the environment?

Sulfate ions and nitric acid play crucial roles in the environment. Sulfate ions are essential nutrients for plants and are also involved in the formation of acid rain. Nitric acid is a major component of acid rain and can contribute to air and water pollution.

5. How are base-acid reactions involving sulfate ions and nitric acid used in industry?

Base-acid reactions involving sulfate ions and nitric acid are used in many industrial processes, such as in the production of fertilizers, detergents, and explosives. They are also used in the purification of metals and in the production of various chemicals.

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