For each molecule of sulfuric acid, how many hydrogen ions are released in water?

1 Answer
anor277
Apr 6, 2017

Usually 2..........

Explanation:

The conjugate base of sulfuric, #H_2SO_4#, is bisulfate, #HSO_4^-#, which is itself a reasonably strong acid. In aqueous solution, the given equilibrium lies to the right:

#H_2SO_4(aq) + 2H_2O(l) rightleftharpoons2H_3O^+ + SO_4^(2-)#

As chemists, as physical scientists, we should seek out some quantitative data:

this site quotes #pK_(a_1)=-3.0;pK_(a2)=1.99#.

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