Acid–base Equilibria
Which factor most strongly determines whether an amphoteric species acts as an acid or a base in water?
Select the correct option:
Solution
Presence of stronger acid or base in medium
- Amphoteric Definition: A species that can either donate or accept a proton (e.g., H2O,HCO3−).
- Behavior Control: Their action depends on the relative strength of other components in the environment.
- Examples:
- In the presence of a strong acid (HCl), HCO3− acts as a base (HCO3−+H+→H2CO3).
- In the presence of a strong base (OH−), HCO3− acts as an acid (HCO3−+OH−→CO32−+H2O).
- Conclusion: The external chemical environment dictates the role of an amphoteric substance.
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About This Question
- Subject
- chemistry
- Chapter
- equilibrium
- Topic
- acid–base equilibria
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
Presence of stronger acid or base in medium
- Amphoteric Definition: A species that can either donate or accept a proton (e.g., H2O,HCO3−).
- Behavior Control: Their action depends on the relative strength of other components in the environment.
- Examples:
- In the presence of a strong acid (HCl), HCO3− acts as a base (HCO3−+H+→H2CO3).
- In the presence of a strong base (OH−), HCO3− acts as an acid (HCO3−+OH−→CO32−+H2O).
- Conclusion: The external chemical environment dictates the role of an amphoteric substance.
This medium difficulty chemistry question is from the chapter equilibrium, covering the topic of acid–base equilibria. It appeared in the 2025 exam.
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