HCN is mixed with water. Which is the best description of what you would expect to find in the solution?

Question

HCN is mixed with water. Which is the best description of what you would expect to find in the solution?

Answer 1

H^+, CN^-, HCN, OH^- (all followed by the (aq) symbol.

Answer 2

To determine the best description of what you would expect to find in a solution of HCN (hydrogen cyanide) mixed with water, we need to consider the properties and behavior of HCN when it comes into contact with water.

HCN is a weak acid, meaning it donates a proton (H+) when dissolved in water. Upon mixing HCN with water, it will undergo a chemical reaction known as ionization or dissociation:

HCN + H2O → H3O+ + CN-

In this reaction, HCN forms hydronium ions (H3O+) and cyanide ions (CN-). The resulting solution will contain these ions, as well as the original HCN molecules that did not ionize.

Therefore, the best description of what you would expect to find in the solution is a mixture of hydronium ions (H3O+), cyanide ions (CN-), and unreacted HCN molecules. The solution will also be slightly acidic due to the presence of hydronium ions.

Answer 3

When hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is mixed with water, it forms a solution known as hydrocyanic acid or cyanide solution (aqueous). In the solution, you would expect to find HCN molecules dispersed in water molecules. The HCN molecules can dissociate into H+ (hydrogen ion) and CN- (cyanide ion) due to the interaction with water molecules. The extent of dissociation depends on the concentration of the solution and the acidity/basicity of the water.