\(\mathrm{HClO}_{4}\) is a strong acid, and \(\mathrm{HClO}_{2}\) is a weak acid. If you had a \(1.0 \mathrm{M}\) solution of \(\mathrm{NaClO}_{4}\) and a \(1.0 \mathrm{M}\) solution of \(\mathrm{NaClO}_{2}\), which would have the higher pH? Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The 1.0 M NaClO2 solution would have a higher pH than the 1.0 M NaClO4 solution because HClO2 is a weak acid, producing fewer H3O+ ions in solution than the strong acid HClO4.

Step by step solution

01

NaClO4 is the sodium salt of HClO4, which is a strong acid, whereas NaClO2 is the sodium salt of HClO2, which is a weak acid. #Step 2: Write the dissociation equation for each salt#

When NaClO4 and NaClO2 dissociate in water, they form their corresponding acidic species and Na+ ions. The equation for the dissociation of NaClO4 and NaClO2 can be represented by: \( NaClO_4 \rightarrow ClO_4^- + Na^+ \) \( NaClO_2 \rightarrow ClO_2^- + Na^+ \) #Step 3: Determine the degree of dissociation for each salt#
02

For NaClO4, ClO4- comes from a strong acid HClO4, and it is completely dissociated in water. Therefore, the degree of dissociation is 100%. With 1.0 M concentration of NaClO4, the resulting concentration of ClO4- is also 1.0 M. For NaClO2, ClO2- comes from a weak acid HClO2; it does not dissociate completely in water. However, we can assume a significant dissociation, leading to a certain concentration of ClO2- based on the Ka of HClO2. #Step 4: Assess the pH of the solutions and compare#

Since ClO4- has a higher concentration and comes from a strong acid, it contributes more H3O+ ions to the water than ClO2- does, resulting in a lower pH for the NaClO4 solution. Inversely, as NaClO2 comes from a weak acid, there will be fewer H3O+ ions produced by the ClO2- ions; this will result in a higher pH for the NaClO2 solution compared to the NaClO4 solution. Conclusion:
03

Conclusion

The 1.0 M NaClO2 solution would have a higher pH than the 1.0 M NaClO4 solution because HClO2 is a weak acid, producing fewer H3O+ ions in solution than the strong acid HClO4.

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