Module 8

Module 8—Acid-Base Equilibrium

Lesson 2—Acid Strength and Equilibrium

 

Get Focused

 

Acid rain is an environmental issue that has received much attention. However, rain is only one mechanism by which acidic material from the atmosphere can meet Earth’s surface. Acid deposition is a broader term that refers to all forms of wet and dry deposits that have acidic properties. How can rain, snow, and even dust become acidic? Can you recall the chemical reaction that produces the acidic particle, the hydronium ion, and explains the properties of acids?

 

Four acids have been implicated in acid deposition. The four acids include nitrous and nitric acids, from emissions of nitrous oxides, and sulfurous and sulfuric acids, from emissions of sulfur oxides. Are there any differences in properties among these four acids? Which of these acids poses the greatest risk to the environment?

 

In your previous chemistry course you learned about the concept of weak and strong acids. How does this classification relate to the chemical reaction described above and its equilibrium? Which of the four acids are categorized as strong? Which are categorized as weak? How might the classification of these substances explain their effects on the environment?

 

Consider the following question as you complete Lesson 2:

• How is knowledge of equilibrium used to explain the differences in acid strength?

Module 8: Lesson 2 Assignment

 

Download a copy of the Module 8: Lesson 2 Assignment to your computer now. You will receive further instructions on how to complete this assignment later in the lesson.

 

You must decide what to do with the questions that are not marked by the teacher.

 

Remember that these questions provide you with the practice and feedback that you need to successfully complete this course. You should respond to all the questions and place those answers in your course folder.

 

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