Compare pH of HNO3 & HBr: Which is Stronger Acid?

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In summary: For example, nitric acid is much stronger than sulfuric acid, but their pHs are about the same. Ka, the dissociation constant : (H+) (A-) /(HA)Is more valid for the weaker acids since the stronger mineral acids are so highly dissociated that Ka is not measurable.
  • #1
omni
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which acid is more strong HNO3 or HBr?

i get the the pH for HNO3 is 5 and for HBr is 2 is it Possible if HNO3 is more strong acid so it must have the low pH than HBr yes?

thanks
 
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  • #2
pH of 0.01M HNO3 is 2, and pH of 10-5M HBr is 5 - as these number are exactly opposite to what you have listed, they obviously can't be used to compare acid strength.

What parameters of acids do you know?
 
  • #3
well 1x10^-5M for HNO3

and 1x10^-2 for HBr. but i think is it Possible Because HBr is a stronger acid than HNO3 yes?

thanks.
 
  • #4
What defines acid strength? It is not pH, it is other parameter.

pH is not property of an acid, pH is a property of the solution.
 
  • #5
Regarding other parameters of an acid: Besides HNO3 and H2SO4 causing low pH
in solution.Nitric acid is a very strong oxidizer and Sulphuric acid is a very strong
de-hydration acid.
 
Last edited:
  • #6
conc. also has to be considered...
 
  • #7
Hint: anyone here ever heard about acid dissociation?

--
 
  • #8
i know that pka is What defines acid strength and also if the pH is more low so the acid is more strong no?

same for pka if it low so the acid is more strong truth?

thanks
 
  • #9
Thats right the lower pKa the stronger the acid.
Also, Ka, the dissociation constant : (H+) (A-) /(HA)
Is more valid for the weaker acids since the stronger mineral acids are so highly
dissociated that Ka is not measurable.
 
  • #10
ok thank you. :-)
 
  • #11
omni said:
i know that pka is What defines acid strength and also if the pH is more low so the acid is more strong no?

Yes and no. Yes - pKa defines acid strength. No - pH is irrelevant, as it is not a property of acid, but property of a solution. In some cases it is possible to compare strength of acids by comparing pH of solutions, but it requires careful design of the experiment. In the simplest case you need solutions to have the same concentration, but in many cases that is not enough.
 

1. What is the pH of HNO3 and HBr?

The pH of HNO3 (nitric acid) is approximately 1, making it a strong acid. The pH of HBr (hydrobromic acid) is also approximately 1, making it equally strong.

2. How do the chemical structures of HNO3 and HBr affect their pH?

HNO3 and HBr are both monoprotic acids, meaning they can donate one proton (H+) per molecule. This makes them equally strong in terms of acidity and pH.

3. Which acid is more corrosive?

Both HNO3 and HBr are strong acids and have similar corrosive properties. However, HNO3 is known to be a more potent oxidizing agent, making it potentially more damaging to certain materials.

4. Can the pH of HNO3 and HBr be altered?

Yes, the pH of both acids can be altered by dilution with water or by adding a base to neutralize them. However, their inherent strength as acids will remain the same.

5. What are some common uses for HNO3 and HBr?

HNO3 is commonly used in fertilizer production, cleaning agents, and explosives. HBr is used in the production of pharmaceuticals, dyes, and as a catalyst in organic reactions.

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