Why Is HCl a Stronger Acid Than H2S?

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SUMMARY

Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a stronger acid than hydrogen sulfide (H2S) due to its complete dissociation in solution, while H2S only partially dissociates. The strength of an acid is determined by its ability to disassociate into ions, with strong acids like HCl dissociating nearly completely. In contrast, H2S is classified as a weak acid, indicating its limited ionization in aqueous solutions. This fundamental understanding of acid strength is crucial for studying acid-base equilibrium.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of acid-base equilibrium
  • Knowledge of acid dissociation constants (Ka)
  • Familiarity with strong vs. weak acids
  • Basic chemistry concepts related to ionization
NEXT STEPS
  • Research acid dissociation constants (Ka) for various acids
  • Study the concept of pH and its relationship to acid strength
  • Explore the differences between strong acids and weak acids in detail
  • Learn about the role of solvent in acid-base reactions
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding acid-base chemistry and the principles of acid strength.

Sir_Viking
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Explain the following observations a) HCl is a stronger acid than H2S; etc...

I just need to know how to find this out, I read through the chapter but it didn't explain it all that well, and the notes my teacher gave me didn't go over it at all.
 
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You are studying equilibrium of acids or bases. The strength of an acid in this way is how much it dis-associates into ions in solution. A strong acid dissociates completely or nearly completely; a weak acid dissociates not so much. Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid; hydrogen sulfide ( H2S ) is a weak acid; oxalic acid is somewhere in between.
 

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