Hydrogen Sulfide and Hydrosulfuric Acid

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The discussion centers on the classification of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) and Hydrosulfuric Acid, focusing on the definition of acids. It highlights that H2S is considered an acid when in aqueous solution, known as Hydrosulfuric Acid, while in gaseous form it is simply Hydrogen Sulfide. The conversation addresses the ambiguity in defining substances that can release hydrogen ions when dissolved in water but are not currently in that state. Participants clarify that H2S can react with bases to form salts and water, providing specific chemical equations for these reactions. The formatting of chemical symbols is also discussed, with a preference for using "M" instead of "Me" to avoid confusion. Overall, the dialogue emphasizes the nuances of chemical terminology and the conditions under which substances are classified as acids.
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In our chemistry class, we learned that an acid is a molecular compound that release hydrogen ions when they are dissolved in water through a process called ionization. So are both Hydrogen Sulfide (g) and Hydrosulfuric Acid (aq) acids?
 
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If you ask me - that's a nitpicky question that doesn't have a definitive answer.

Definition is not clear, as it doesn't specify how to treat potential acid - substance that WILL release H+ WHEN put in water, but it is not yet in water. You can argue that it is an acid (it will when) and that it is not an acid (it is not in water and it is not releasing H+). So it is semantics.

Could be my English fails me. Second opinion won't hurt.

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They are the same substance...

It's just that H2S is called Hydrosulfuric Acid when aqueous solution, and Hydrogen Sulfide otherwise.
 
Its the same concept as Hydrogen Chloride gas. It could be an acid if it was aqueous.
 
my friend please confirm from teacher that if H2S reacts with a base it forms a salt and water or not
 
Yes, it does.
 
Specifically, for a base Ca(OH)n, where Ca is any cation, the reaction proceeds as follows:

n H2S + 2 Ca(OH)n --> 2n H2O + Ca2Sn

I believe. So for NaOH it would be...

2 NaOH + H2S --> 2 H2O + Na2S
 
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Ca is a poor idea for any cation symbol, Me is much better.

Formatting in your second equation went awry.
 
Me looks like methyl; M is generally used
 
  • #10
Fixed the format, and yeah, I should have done M.
 
  • #11
Cesium said:
Me looks like methyl; M is generally used

Must be a matter of local convention, I am more than sure that I have books with Me in this room. But no doubts that you are right about possible confusion.

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