Which of the following is the strongest acid?

₹0.0

📥 Instant PDF Download
♾ Lifetime Access
🛡 Secure & Original Content

What’s inside this PDF?

Question: Which of the following is the strongest acid?

Options:

Formic acid
Acetic acid
Propanoic acid
Butanoic acid

Correct Answer: Formic acid

Solution:

Formic acid (HCOOH) is stronger than acetic acid (CH3COOH) due to the presence of a hydrogen atom directly attached to the carbonyl carbon, which stabilizes the conjugate base.

Which of the following is the strongest acid?

Practice Questions

Which of the following is the strongest acid?

Formic acid
Acetic acid
Propanoic acid
Butanoic acid

Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions

Which of the following is the strongest acid?

Correct Answer: Formic acid (HCOOH)

Step 1: Understand what an acid is. An acid is a substance that can donate a hydrogen ion (H+) to another substance.
Step 2: Identify the acids in the question. The acids mentioned are formic acid (HCOOH) and acetic acid (CH3COOH).
Step 3: Look at the structure of formic acid. It has a hydrogen atom directly attached to the carbonyl carbon (C=O).
Step 4: Look at the structure of acetic acid. It has a methyl group (CH3) attached to the carbonyl carbon instead of a hydrogen.
Step 5: Understand the concept of conjugate bases. When an acid donates a hydrogen ion, it forms a conjugate base.
Step 6: Realize that the stability of the conjugate base affects the strength of the acid. A more stable conjugate base means a stronger acid.
Step 7: Conclude that formic acid's conjugate base is more stable because it has a hydrogen atom that can help stabilize the negative charge.
Step 8: Therefore, formic acid (HCOOH) is stronger than acetic acid (CH3COOH).

No concepts available.

Which of the following is the strongest acid?

What’s inside this PDF?

Which of the following is the strongest acid?

Practice Questions

Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions

On a scale of 0–10, how likely are you to recommend The Soulshift Academy?