Question

Question #f6709

Answer 1

See explanation below:

Explanation:

When comparing two acids , we look at their conjugate bases stabilities and compare them.

A strong acid will give a stable conjugate base , so the reaction is favoured in the forward direction (acid dissociation).

For `HF`:

`HF->H^(+)+underbrace(F^(-))_("conjugate base")`

For `CH_4`:

`CH_4->H^(+)+underbrace(CH_3^(-))_("conjugate base")`

Looking at both conjugate bases, we can see that the negative charge is carried by fluorine for `F^(-)` and by the carbon atom of `CH_3^(-)`.

Since fluorine is a more electronegative than carbon atom, the negative charge will be more stabilized on fluorine and thus `F^(-)` is a more stable conjugate base than `CH_3^(-)`.

Therefore, `HF` is a stronger acid than `CH_4`.