Which of the following statements is not true ? [2003]a)HF is a strong...
F is more electronegative than Cl therefore HF bond is stronger than HCl and hence proton is not given off easily and hence HF is a weakest acid.
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Which of the following statements is not true ? [2003]a)HF is a strong...
The correct answer is option A: HF is a stronger acid than HCl.
Explanation:
- In order to determine the strength of an acid, we need to compare their acidic properties, which can be measured by their ability to donate a proton (H+ ion) in a solution.
- The strength of an acid is determined by the stability of its conjugate base. A stronger acid will have a more stable conjugate base.
- In the given options, option A states that HF is a stronger acid than HCl. However, this statement is not true.
- HF is a weak acid, whereas HCl is a strong acid.
- The strength of an acid is based on the acidity constant (Ka). The higher the Ka value, the stronger the acid.
- For HF, the Ka value is relatively small (around 7 x 10^-4), indicating that it is a weak acid.
- On the other hand, HCl has a much larger Ka value (around 1 x 10^6), indicating that it is a strong acid.
- The strength of an acid is also influenced by the polarity of the bond between the hydrogen atom and the halogen atom. The more polar the bond, the stronger the acid.
- In the case of HF, the bond between hydrogen and fluorine is highly polar due to the large electronegativity difference between the two atoms, making HF a weak acid.
- However, in the case of HCl, the bond between hydrogen and chlorine is less polar, resulting in a stronger acid.
- Therefore, option A is not true as HF is a weaker acid compared to HCl.