How Many Ionizable Hydrogen Atoms Are in Phosphorus Acid H3PO3?

  • Thread starter Thread starter agoogler
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Atoms Hydrogen
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on determining the number of ionizable hydrogen atoms in phosphorus acid (H3PO3). It is established that phosphorus acid has two ionizable hydrogen atoms, which can release H+ ions, resulting in the formation of HPO32-. The concept of ionizable hydrogen is clarified as the ability of hydrogen in an acid to dissociate into ions. Understanding common acids and their behaviors is essential for identifying ionizable hydrogen atoms in various acids.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of acid-base chemistry
  • Familiarity with the concept of ionization
  • Knowledge of common acids and their properties
  • Ability to interpret chemical formulas
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the ionization properties of other common acids, such as sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and hydrochloric acid (HCl)
  • Study the concept of acid dissociation constants (Ka) for various acids
  • Learn about the structural formulas of acids and how they relate to ionization
  • Explore the role of hydrogen ions (H+) in acid-base reactions
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding acid-base reactions and the properties of acids.

agoogler
Messages
81
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



What are the number of ionizable hydrogen atoms in phosphorus acid H3PO3?

Homework Equations



-

The Attempt at a Solution


I didn't even know what "ionizable " means. ( This is not a homework questions, I'm solving sample questions for an entrance exam) . So I searched the web . But still I don't know how to decide the number of ionizable hydrogen atoms in H3PO3 . Please help.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Ionizable means that it can be made into an ion, which in the context of hydrogen in an acid means that it will liberate a H+ ion.

Have a look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphorous_acid#Acid-base_properties. At most 2 hydrogen ions will leave phosphorus acid, leaving HPO32-. Therefore, phosphorus acid has two ionizable hydrogen atoms.
 
@DrClaude But if I'm just given a random acid how can I find the number of onizable hydrogen atoms?
 
You can't. It something you have to know: what are the common acids and how they react.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
18K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
10K
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
3K