Question

You are given two acidic solutions of equal concentration and volume: HCl (aq) and HF (aq). Which solution would dissociate more fully and produce more H3O+ ions?

HCl

HF

HCl and HF would both dissociate to the same degree because they are of equal concentration and volume.

HCl and HF would both dissociate to the same degree because they both have one hydrogen atom per molecule.

Answer 1

HCl will dissociate more fully and produce more H₃O⁺ ions.

Step-by-step explanation:

HCl is strong acid and it dissociate fully and produce more H₃O⁺ ions as compared to the HF.

Although H-F is stronger bond as compared to the HCl but stability of product also count, and fluorine ions F⁻ which are formed after dissociation are not more stable as Cl⁻ ions.

Both F⁻ and Cl⁻ are carried -1 charge, but in case of chloride ions negative charge is spread over large surface area while in case of fluorine it is restricted to small surface. Thus F⁻ are becomes unstable.

Thus in dissociation equilibrium is shifted to wards HF and cause lower dissociation.