Consider this reaction: $2 LIOH + H _2 SO _4 \rightarrow 2 H _2 O + LI _2 SO _4$
Which compound is acting as an acid in this reaction?
A. LIOH
B. $H _2 SO _4$
C. $H _2 O$
D. $H _2 SO _4$
Answer (2)
Identify the acid as the compound that donates protons ( H + ).
Recognize that H 2 S O 4 donates protons in the reaction.
Conclude that H 2 S O 4 is the acid.
The compound acting as an acid is H 2 S O 4 .
Explanation
Identifying the Problem We are given the reaction: 2 L I O H + H 2 S O 4 → 2 H 2 O + L I 2 S O 4 . We need to identify which compound acts as an acid in this reaction.
Understanding Acids and Bases An acid is a substance that donates protons ( H + ions). In this reaction, H 2 S O 4 donates protons to LIOH to form H 2 O and L I 2 S O 4 . LIOH is a base, and H 2 O is water.
Determining the Acid Therefore, the compound acting as an acid in this reaction is H 2 S O 4 .
Examples
Acids and bases are fundamental in chemistry and are used in many everyday applications. For example, sulfuric acid ( H 2 S O 4 ) is used in the production of fertilizers, detergents, and in various chemical syntheses. Understanding acid-base reactions helps in controlling chemical processes, neutralizing spills, and even in understanding biological processes in our bodies. The reaction between an acid and a base is called neutralization, where an acid donates a proton to a base, forming a salt and water.
In the given reaction, H₂SO₄ acts as the acid because it donates protons to the base LiOH. The result is water and lithium sulfate as products. Therefore, the answer is H₂SO₄.
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