What is acid?
An acid is anything that when dissolved in water has a sour taste, turns blue litmus paper red, reacts with some metals to release hydrogen, reacts with bases to create salts, and encourages chemical reactions (acid catalysis). A chemical substance that contains hydrogen and is typically a liquid is referred to as an acid. Acids can interact with other chemicals to produce salts. Others that they come into contact with may be burned or dissolved by some acids. Everyday life involves acids frequently. They exist naturally in foods, are found in cells and digestive systems, are used in numerous regular chemical reactions, and are. Nitric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, and hydrochloric acid are examples of typical strong acids.
Explanation:
What makes H₂SeO₄ the stronger acid compared to H₂SeO₃?
In the pair of acids H₂SeO₃ and H₂SeO₄, the stronger acid is H₂SeO₄. This is because selenium (Se) in H₂SeO₄ has higher electronegativity compared to that in H₂SeO₃. This results in the formation of more stable ions. Specifically, the SeO₄²⁻ ion in H₂SeO₄ is more stable than the SeO₃²⁻ ion in H₂SeO₃.
Acid Chemistry:
Acids are fundamental substances in chemistry that play various roles. They can donate protons (H⁺ ions) in solution, which is a key characteristic of acids. When acids dissolve in water, they release H⁺ ions, forming hydronium ions (H₃O⁺). Acids can also react with bases in neutralization reactions to form salts.
Everyday Applications:
Acids have numerous applications in everyday life. For example, citric acid is found in citrus fruits like lemons and oranges, which gives them their sour taste. Acids are also present in various foods and beverages, acting as preservatives or flavor enhancers. In industrial processes, strong acids such as sulfuric acid are used in the production of fertilizers, detergents, and other chemicals.
Strong Acids:
Strong acids are substances that completely dissociate into ions when dissolved in water. These acids are highly reactive and can easily donate protons. Examples of strong acids include hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), and nitric acid (HNO₃). These acids play crucial roles in various chemical reactions and industries.
Conclusion:
In the comparison between H₂SeO₃ and H₂SeO₄, H₂SeO₄ is the stronger acid due to the higher electronegativity of selenium in its molecular structure. Acids are essential substances in chemistry with diverse applications in daily life and industrial processes. Understanding the properties and behavior of acids is crucial in various scientific fields and practical applications.