Give the formula of a compound of nitrogen that is (a) a weak base. (b) a strong acid. (c) a weak acid. (d) capable of oxidizing copper.

Short Answer

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Question: Provide the formulas of nitrogen compounds with the following characteristics: a) weak base, b) strong acid, c) weak acid, and d) capable of oxidizing copper. Answer: a) NH3, b) HNO3, c) HNO2, d) HNO3

Step by step solution

01

Understand what a weak base is

A weak base is a substance that does not completely dissociate into its ions in an aqueous solution and has a pKb value between 1 and 14. These bases have a lower tendency to accept protons than strong bases.
02

Identify a nitrogen compound that is a weak base

Ammonia (NH3) is a well-known weak base that partially ionizes in water and readily reacts with acids to form ammonium ions (NH4+). So, the formula of a weak base containing nitrogen is NH3. #b) Strong Acid#
03

Understand what a strong acid is

A strong acid is a substance that completely dissociates into its ions in an aqueous solution, having a pKa value between -2 and 4. These acids usually have a high tendency to donate protons.
04

Identify a nitrogen compound that is a strong acid

Nitric acid (HNO3) is a strong acid that completely dissociates in water to produce hydronium ions (H3O+) and nitrate ions (NO3-). So, the formula of a strong acid containing nitrogen is HNO3. #c) Weak Acid#
05

Understand what a weak acid is

A weak acid is a substance that does not completely dissociate into its ions in an aqueous solution and has a pKa value between 4 and 14. These acids have a lower tendency to donate protons than strong acids.
06

Identify a nitrogen compound that is a weak acid

Nitrous acid (HNO2) is a weak acid that partially ionizes in water to produce hydronium ions (H3O+) and nitrite ions (NO2-). So, the formula of a weak acid containing nitrogen is HNO2. #d) Capable of Oxidizing Copper#
07

Understand what oxidizing copper means

Oxidizing copper means that the compound can cause the copper to lose electrons and consequently increase its oxidation state.
08

Identify a nitrogen compound capable of oxidizing copper

Nitric acid (HNO3) can act as an oxidizing agent and oxidize copper. When copper reacts with nitric acid, it loses electrons and forms copper ions (Cu2+). So, the formula of a nitrogen compound capable of oxidizing copper is HNO3.

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