Why is ethanoic acid a weak acid?

Answer Explanation

A. Yellow, green, and blue colors: This sequence of colors does not represent the typical color changes observed in universal indicator when exposed to acidic solutions. Universal indicator typically changes from green/blue in neutral solutions to yellow/orange/red in acidic solutions.

B. Green, blue, and purple colors: Purple is not typically observed in the color changes of universal indicator in acidic solutions. Universal indicator usually transitions from green/blue in neutral solutions to yellow/orange/red in acidic solutions.

C. White, grey, and black colors: These colors are not typically observed in the color changes of universal indicator. Universal indicator undergoes a series of color changes from green/blue to yellow/orange/red in acidic solutions.

D. Yellow, orange, and red colors. (Correct Answer): Universal indicator typically changes from green/blue in neutral solutions to yellow/orange/red in acidic solutions. This sequence of colors represents the typical color changes observed in universal indicator when exposed to acidic solutions.

Answer Explanation

Rationale for each choice:

A) pH 2-4: While hydrochloric acid is indeed highly acidic, a pH range of 2-4 would suggest a slightly less concentrated solution. However, this range might still be appropriate for dilute or partially neutralized hydrochloric acid.

A) pH 1-3 (Correct Answer): Hydrochloric acid typically has a very low pH due to its strong acidic nature. A pH range of 1-3 is commonly observed for concentrated hydrochloric acid solutions.

C) pH 0-2: This range suggests an even stronger acidity, which could be true for very concentrated hydrochloric acid solutions, although they might not commonly occur in typical laboratory or industrial settings.

D) pH 3-5: This pH range would indicate a significantly less acidic solution compared to hydrochloric acid. Such a pH range might be more appropriate for weak acids or diluted hydrochloric acid solutions rather than the concentrated form.

Answer Explanation

Rationale for each choice:

A) Because it contains both hydrogen and hydroxide ions in equal amounts: This statement is incorrect. NaCl (sodium chloride) does not contain hydrogen or hydroxide ions. It dissociates into sodium ions (Na+) and chloride ions (Cl-) in water, not hydrogen or hydroxide ions.

B) Because it contains hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH-) in equal amounts: This statement is incorrect. NaCl does not contain hydrogen or hydroxide ions. In aqueous solution, NaCl dissociates into sodium ions and chloride ions, not hydrogen or hydroxide ions.

C) Because it does not contain any hydrogen or hydroxide ions (Correct Answer): NaCl is a neutral compound composed of sodium ions (Na+) and chloride ions (Cl-). It does not contain any hydrogen or hydroxide ions, so it is neutral in aqueous solution.

D) Because it dissociates completely in water: NaCl does dissociate in water, but its dissociation does not involve the generation of hydrogen or hydroxide ions. It dissociates into sodium ions and chloride ions, which do not contribute to the pH of the solution. Therefore, the completeness of dissociation does not determine its neutrality.