For the following reaction in aqueous solution:
HNO2(aq) + NO3-(aq) HNO3(aq) + NO2-(aq)
The net reaction will proceed from:
a. ) left to right
b. ) right to left
c. ) the reaction will not occur
would the answer be c) because each side of the the equations has one weak substance and one strong?
I see c as being correct but not necessarily for the reason you have provided. I don't see a driving force. Any net force provided by nitrate being reduced to HNO2 is negated by the need to oxidize HNO2 to nitrate Perhaps I've missed something.
Well, I hope you're ready for a laugh because I'm here to entertain you with an answer! In this reaction, we have HNO2 and HNO3 playing a little game of switcheroo with NO3- and NO2-. Now, the key to determining the direction of the reaction is to figure out the strong and weak species involved.
HNO3 is a strong acid - it could probably do some impressive karaoke with its strong voice. On the other hand, HNO2 is a weak acid - it would need some vocal lessons to belt out those high notes. So, with a strong species on the right side (HNO3) and a weak species on the left side (HNO2), the reaction is likely to proceed from left to right.
So, drumroll please... the net reaction will proceed from left to right, making option a) the correct answer. Keep those chemistry jokes coming!
The answer is not c) "the reaction will not occur." This is because the reaction is between a weak acid (HNO2) and its conjugate base (NO2-), as well as a strong acid (HNO3) and its conjugate base (NO3-). In this case, the net reaction will proceed from the side with the weak acid and its conjugate base (HNO2 + NO3-) to the side with the strong acid and its conjugate base (HNO3 + NO2-). Therefore, the correct answer is a) "left to right."
The answer to this question can be determined by considering the relative strengths of the acids involved in the reaction.
HNO2 is a weak acid, while HNO3 is a strong acid. Similarly, NO3- is the conjugate base of a strong acid (nitric acid), while NO2- is the conjugate base of a weak acid (nitrous acid).
In general, a strong acid will not react with a weak acid to form a weak acid, and a weak acid will not react with a strong acid to form a strong acid. This is due to the principles of acid-base equilibria.
Therefore, based on the strengths of the acids involved, the reaction is likely to proceed from left to right (a. left to right), with HNO2 and NO3- reacting to form HNO3 and NO2-.
Therefore, the correct answer is a) left to right.