Question

Question #7231b

Answer 1

I assume you are referring to protons that are ionisable in acid-base processes. If so, the answer is two. One ionizes strongly, the other more weakly.

Explanation:

A molecule of sulfuric acid, `H_2SO_4` has two protons that can ionize (transfer to a base).

The first ionization is strong, meaning that it occurs to an extent of 100% in water:

`H_2SO_4 + H_2O rarr H_3O^+ + HSO_4^-`

The second ionization is weaker (`K_a = 1.2 xx 10^(-2)`):

`HSO_4^-` `+ H_2O rarr H_3O^+ + SO_4^(2-)`