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Multiple Choice
Which of the following dissociations is that of an acid?
A
H2O → H+ + OH–
B
NaOH → Na+ + OH–
C
NH3 + H+→ NH4+
D
HF → H+ + F–
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the definition of an acid: An acid is a substance that can donate a proton (H+) to another substance.
Examine each dissociation reaction to identify if a proton (H+) is being released.
For the first reaction, H2O → H+ + OH–, water dissociates into a proton and a hydroxide ion. While water can act as an acid, it is more commonly known as a neutral substance.
For the second reaction, NaOH → Na+ + OH–, sodium hydroxide dissociates into a sodium ion and a hydroxide ion. This is a base, not an acid, as it produces OH– ions.
For the third reaction, NH3 + H+ → NH4+, ammonia accepts a proton to form ammonium, indicating it acts as a base here. The correct dissociation of an acid is HF → H+ + F–, where hydrofluoric acid donates a proton to form fluoride.