Acids and Bases and Their Reactions

[jbmiller]

Homework Statement

Oxalic acid, H₂C₂O₄, which is found in certain pants, can provide two hydronium ions in water. Write balanced equations to show how oxalic acid can supply one and then a second H₃O⁺ ion.

Homework Equations

There's not really an equation, and if there is please don't make me feel stupid.

The Attempt at a Solution

I don't really even know how to start.

 

[symbolipoint]

You must try something. Oxalic acid reacts with water, how? Water is an acid or a base, depending on what is present with it. Oxalic acid will behave as an acid. How does the H₃O⁺¹, hydronium ion form?

 

[Borek]

Do you know how to write dissociation equation for any acid?

 

[jbmiller]

I think I figured it out:

H₂C₂O₄ + H₂O -> H₃O⁺ + HC₂O₄^-

HC₂O₄^- + H₂O -> H₃O⁺ + C₂O₄^-2

 

[symbolipoint]

Good.

 

[SteamKing]

In which pants do you find oxalic acid?

 

[Borek]

In which pants do you find oxalic acid?

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