Which of the following is a strong electrolyte but not a strong acid?
Group of answer choices
K3PO4
H2SO4
HClO2
SO2
C4H8
The correct answer and explanation is :
Let’s analyze each of the given chemical formulas and determine their names and properties.
1. H₂SO₄ (Sulfuric Acid)
- Name: Sulfuric Acid
- Type: Strong Acid
- Properties:
- H₂SO₄ is a highly corrosive, strong mineral acid.
- It completely ionizes in water to form H₃O⁺ (hydronium) and SO₄²⁻ (sulfate) ions.
- It is widely used in industrial applications, including battery acid, fertilizer production, and chemical synthesis.
2. HClO₂ (Chlorous Acid)
- Name: Chlorous Acid
- Type: Weak Acid
- Properties:
- HClO₂ is a weak and unstable acid containing chlorine in the +3 oxidation state.
- It partially ionizes in water, forming ClO₂⁻ (chlorite ion) and H₃O⁺.
- It is rarely found in a pure state due to its instability but is involved in reactions forming chlorites, which are used in bleaching and disinfection.
3. SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide)
- Name: Sulfur Dioxide
- Type: Covalent Compound (Acidic Oxide)
- Properties:
- SO₂ is a colorless gas with a pungent smell.
- It dissolves in water to form sulfurous acid (H₂SO₃), contributing to acid rain.
- It is used as a preservative in food and beverages and in industrial processes like paper manufacturing.
4. C₄H₈ (Butene or Cyclobutane)
- Name: Butene (or Cyclobutane)
- Type: Hydrocarbon (Alkene or Cycloalkane)
- Properties:
- C₄H₈ exists in different structural forms: 1-butene, 2-butene (cis and trans), and cyclobutane.
- The butenes are alkenes with a double bond, while cyclobutane is a ringed structure.
- These compounds are used in polymer production and fuel additives.
Each of these compounds has unique chemical properties and industrial applications, demonstrating the diversity of inorganic and organic chemistry.