Hydrogen peroxide is ______________ in nature.a)non-acidicb)acidicc)ne...
One of the most important chemical properties of hydrogen peroxide i.e. H2O2 is that it is acidic in nature. It is weakly acidic in nature and pure hydrogen peroxide turns blue Litmus red (an indication of acidic nature).
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Hydrogen peroxide is ______________ in nature.a)non-acidicb)acidicc)ne...
Explanation:
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a chemical compound that consists of two hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms. It is a pale blue liquid that appears colorless in a dilute solution. Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidizer and is widely used in various industries and household applications.
Acidity of Hydrogen Peroxide:
Hydrogen peroxide is a weak acid. It can act as both an acid and an oxidizing agent. When dissolved in water, it forms a weak acid called perhydroxic acid (HOOH), which can donate a proton (H+) to a water molecule, making it acidic.
The Ionization of Hydrogen Peroxide:
In water, hydrogen peroxide undergoes a process called ionization, where it breaks down into ions. The ionization of hydrogen peroxide can be represented by the following equation:
H2O2 → H+ + HO2-
In this equation, one hydrogen peroxide molecule dissociates into a hydrogen ion (H+) and a hydroperoxide ion (HO2-). The presence of hydrogen ions makes the solution acidic.
pH of Hydrogen Peroxide:
The pH scale is a measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution. It ranges from 0 to 14, where a pH of 7 is considered neutral. pH values below 7 indicate acidity, while pH values above 7 indicate alkalinity.
The pH of hydrogen peroxide is below 7, indicating that it is acidic in nature. The exact pH value depends on the concentration of the hydrogen peroxide solution. Higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide will have a lower pH, indicating higher acidity.
Applications of Hydrogen Peroxide:
Hydrogen peroxide has numerous applications due to its oxidizing and disinfecting properties. Some of its common uses include:
1. Bleaching agent: Hydrogen peroxide is used as a bleaching agent for hair, teeth, and fabrics.
2. Disinfectant: It is used as a disinfectant for wounds and surfaces.
3. Water treatment: Hydrogen peroxide is used in water treatment processes to remove impurities and kill microorganisms.
4. Rocket propellant: It is used as a propellant in rocket engines due to its high reactivity.
5. Cleaning agent: Hydrogen peroxide is used as a cleaning agent for various surfaces and materials.
In conclusion, hydrogen peroxide is acidic in nature due to its ability to ionize in water and release hydrogen ions. Its acidity makes it suitable for various applications where oxidizing and disinfecting properties are required.
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