Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid. Acetic acid is a weak acid. Which statement about hydrochloric acid and acetic acid is correct?
A. The dissociation constant for hydrochloric acid is greater than the dissociation constant for acetic acid.
B. A solution of hydrochloric acid at equilibrium will have a greater concentration of solute than a solution of acetic acid at equilibrium.
C. If the initial concentration of each acid is the same, then acetic acid will produce more H3O+ ions than hydrochloric acid.
D. The pH of a solution of hydrochloric acid must be less than the pH of a solution of acetic acid.
D. The pH of a solution of hydrochloric acid must be less than the pH of a solution of acetic acid.
The correct statement about hydrochloric acid and acetic acid is:
D. The pH of a solution of hydrochloric acid must be less than the pH of a solution of acetic acid.
Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid and completely dissociates in water, resulting in a high concentration of H3O+ ions, which lowers the pH of the solution. On the other hand, acetic acid is a weak acid, meaning it only partially dissociates in water, resulting in a lower concentration of H3O+ ions compared to hydrochloric acid. Therefore, the pH of a solution of hydrochloric acid will be lower (more acidic) than the pH of a solution of acetic acid.