Chemistry
Give reasons why dilute sulphuric acid:
(i) behaves as an acid when dilute.
(ii) is dibasic in nature.
Answer
(i) Acidic properties of sulphuric acid are due to the presence of hydronium ions [H3O+] formed when H2SO4 dissociates in aqueous solution. Hence, it behaves as an acid when dilute.
(ii) Sulphuric acid dissociates in aqueous solution giving two hydrogen ions (H+) ions per molecule of the acid. Hence, it is dibasic in nature.
H2SO4 ⇌ 2H+ + SO42-
H2SO4 + 2H2O ⇌ 2H3O+ + SO42-
Related Questions
Give a reason why concentrated sulphuric acid is kept in air tight bottles.
State the basic steps with reasons, involved in diluting a beaker of conc. H2SO4.
Convert dil. H2SO4 to –
(i) Hydrogen
(ii) Carbon dioxide
(iii) Sulphur dioxide
(iv) Hydrogen sulphide
(v) An acid salt
(vi) A normal salt.
Give equations for formation of two different acids from conc. H2SO4. State the property of sulphuric acid involved in the above formation.