List the 7 common strong acids and 6 strong bases by strength (stongest to weakest)
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Common Strong Acids (from strongest to weakest):
- Fluoroantimonic acid (HSbF₆)
- Perchloric acid (HClO₄)
- Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
- Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄)
- Nitric acid (HNO₃)
- Hydrobromic acid (HBr)
- Hydroiodic acid (HI)
Common Strong Bases (from strongest to weakest):
- Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
- Potassium hydroxide (KOH)
- Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂)
- Barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)₂)
- Strontium hydroxide (Sr(OH)₂)
- Lithium hydroxide (LiOH)
Explanation:
Strong Acids:
A strong acid is one that dissociates completely in water, meaning all of its hydrogen ions (H⁺) are released into the solution. This makes the acid very effective in donating protons to other substances, making it highly reactive.
- Fluoroantimonic acid (HSbF₆) is the strongest acid because it dissociates almost completely and can protonate almost any base, even compounds that are typically resistant to protonation.
- Perchloric acid (HClO₄), a highly potent acid, dissociates completely and is often used in laboratories for its ability to act as a powerful oxidizer.
- Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is commonly used in laboratories and in industry. It is a strong acid but slightly less powerful than the more specialized acids listed above.
- Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), while a strong acid, has a slight variation in dissociation when concentrated, making it a weaker acid in comparison to HCl.
- Nitric acid (HNO₃), also a strong acid, is very reactive and used in the production of fertilizers and explosives.
- Hydrobromic acid (HBr) and Hydroiodic acid (HI) are both strong acids, but HI is considered slightly stronger than HBr due to its larger ionic size, which allows for easier dissociation.
Strong Bases:
Strong bases, like strong acids, dissociate completely in water, producing hydroxide ions (OH⁻). These bases can neutralize acids effectively.
- Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and Potassium hydroxide (KOH) are both highly effective bases, often used in industry and laboratories. Sodium hydroxide is typically stronger because of its greater solubility in water.
- Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), though a strong base, is less soluble in water than NaOH or KOH, which slightly reduces its strength.
- Barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)₂) and Strontium hydroxide (Sr(OH)₂) are less common but still strong bases, with similar strengths to calcium hydroxide.
- Lithium hydroxide (LiOH) is considered a weaker strong base in comparison to the others listed here.
In summary, strong acids and bases are defined by their ability to dissociate completely in solution, and their relative strengths are determined by how completely they dissociate and the ionic nature of the compounds.