In: Chemistry
For each pair of cations, circle the one that is more acidic.
(a) Na+ or NH4+
(b) Fe2+ or Fe3+
(c) Ga3+ or Al3+
Provide an explanation please.
First, let us define "acidity"
acidity = will have a pH < 7; this can be either due to decrease in OH- concentration or increase of H+ concentration
(a) Na+ or NH4+
Na+ + H2O = no hydrolysis, pH = 7 approx
NH4+ + H2O = NH3 + H3O,. this is acidic , pH < 7
NH4+ is more acidic
(b) Fe2+ or Fe3+
Fe2+ + 2H2O = Fe(OH)2 + 2H+
Fe+3 + 3H2O = Fe(OH)3 + 3H+
Clearly Fe3+ is more acidic
(c) Ga3+ or Al3+
Least soluble is given by lowest Ksp:
Ga(OH)3 7.28×10–36
Al(OH)3 4.6×10–33
then, Ga(OH) is Less soluble, therefore, will form MORE precipitate
then, this is more acidic, since it leaves more H+ in solution