Predict which member of each pair produces the more acidic aqueous solution: (a) \(\mathrm{K}^{+}\) or \(\mathrm{Cu}^{2+}\), (b) \(\mathrm{Fe}^{2+}\) or \(\mathrm{Fe}^{3+}\) (c) \(\mathrm{Al}^{3+}\) or \(\mathrm{Ga}^{3+}\)

Short Answer

Expert verified
In summary, the more acidic aqueous solutions are produced by the following ions: (a) Cu2+ (b) Fe3+ and (c) Ga3+. This is based on their higher charge densities compared to their counterparts in each pair.

Step by step solution

01

Predict the acidity based on charge density

To predict the acidic strength of the ions, we should consider their charge densities. Ions with higher charge densities will produce a more acidic solution because they attract water molecules more strongly, causing them to donate protons.
02

(a) Comparing K+ and Cu2+

K+ ion has a charge of +1 and a larger atomic radius, while Cu2+ ion has a charge of +2 and a smaller atomic radius. Cu2+ has a higher charge density than K+ ion, so the Cu2+ aqueous solution should be more acidic than the K+ aqueous solution.
03

(b) Comparing Fe2+and Fe3+

Fe2+ ion has a charge of +2 and Fe3+ ion has a charge of +3, both of them have the same atomic radius because they are isotopes. Fe3+ has a higher charge density than Fe2+, so the Fe3+ aqueous solution should be more acidic than the Fe2+ aqueous solution.
04

(c) Comparing Al3+ and Ga3+

Al3+ ion and Ga3+ ion both have a charge of +3. Al has a larger atomic radius than Ga, so the charge density of Al3+ is lower than that of Ga3+. The Ga3+ aqueous solution should be more acidic than the Al3+ aqueous solution. In summary, the more acidic ions in each pair are: Cu2+, Fe3+, and Ga3+.

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