Chemistry Acids and Bases

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Questions and Answers

The Bronsted theory states that an acid is a donor and a base is a acceptor.

What is the Bronsted-Lowry definition of an acid?

A Bronsted-Lowry acid is a proton donor.

What is the relationship between the strength of an acid and its Ka value?

Lower Ka values correspond to weaker acids.

What is the relationship between the strength of a base and its Kb value?

Higher Kb values correspond to stronger bases. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between pKa and pKb?

The sum of pKa and pKb equals pKw, which is 14 at 25°C. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of autoprotolysis of water?

Autoprotolysis of water is the reaction where two water molecules react to form hydronium (H3O+) and hydroxide (OH-) ions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the pH of pure water at 25°C?

7 Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of solvent leveling?

Solvent leveling is the phenomenon where the strengths of acids or bases are leveled by the solvent's ability to donate or accept protons. Signup and view all the answers

According to the Lewis definition, what is an acid?

A Lewis acid is an electron pair acceptor. Signup and view all the answers

What is the HSAB (Hard and Soft Acid Base) principle?

The Hard and Soft Acid Base (HSAB) principle states that hard acids prefer to bind to hard bases, and soft acids prefer to bind to soft bases. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between hard acids and soft acids?

Hard acids are typically small, highly charged ions with a high oxidation state. Soft acids are larger, less charged ions with a lower oxidation state. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between hard bases and soft bases?

Hard bases are typically small, highly electronegative ions with filled orbitals. Soft bases are larger, polarizable ions with partially filled orbitals. Signup and view all the answers

The strength of acids and bases can be distinguished in solvents like acetic acid or ammonia.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for the high density of the nucleus?

The nucleus is composed of protons and neutrons, which are tightly packed together, leading to a very high density. Signup and view all the answers

Why are isotopes with even numbers of protons and neutrons generally more stable?

Isotopes with an even number of protons and neutrons often achieve greater stability due to the pairing of nucleons. This pairing minimizes repulsive forces within the nucleus. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for the radioactive decay of an unstable nucleus?

Unstable nuclei decay when the forces within the nucleus are not strong enough to hold together the protons and neutrons. The nucleus releases energy to transform into a more stable configuration by emitting particles or radiation. Signup and view all the answers

What are the four main types of radioactive decay?

The four main types of radioactive decay are alpha decay, beta decay, gamma decay, and electron capture. Signup and view all the answers

What is the unit of measurement for radioactivity?

The unit of measurement for radioactivity is the becquerel (Bq), which represents one disintegration per second. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of half-life in terms of radioactive decay?

Half-life is the time it takes for half of the radioactive nuclei in a sample to decay. Signup and view all the answers

What is the principle of binding energy as it relates to nuclear stability?

Binding energy is the energy required to separate the nucleons (protons and neutrons) within a nucleus. Higher binding energy per nucleon corresponds to greater nuclear stability. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the mass defect in relation to binding energy?

The mass defect is the difference between the actual mass of a nucleus and the sum of the masses of its individual protons and neutrons. This mass difference is converted into binding energy, which holds the nucleus together. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion?

Nuclear fission is the process of splitting a heavy nucleus into lighter nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy. Nuclear fusion is the process of combining light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, also releasing a large amount of energy. Signup and view all the answers

What are the key factors that influence the rate of a nuclear reaction?

The rate of a nuclear reaction is influenced by factors such as the type of nuclear reaction (fission or fusion), the energy levels involved, the abundance of reactants, and the presence of catalysts or moderators. Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of a chain reaction in the context of nuclear fission?

A chain reaction is a self-sustaining process in nuclear fission where the neutrons released from one fission event trigger additional fission events, creating a cascade of reactions. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by critical mass in nuclear fission?

Critical mass is the minimum amount of fissile material required to sustain a chain reaction. If the mass is below critical, the chain reaction will die out, whereas if it is above critical, it will accelerate. Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the major applications of radioactivity in various fields?

Radioactivity finds applications in diverse fields such as medicine (diagnosis and treatment), industry (gauging and sterilization), agriculture (mutation breeding), and archeology (dating artifacts). Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Acid

A substance that donates a proton (H+) in a chemical reaction.

Base

A substance that accepts a proton (H+) in a chemical reaction.