Multiple Choice
The formula H_2SO_4 is representative of which of the following acids?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Acids
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Assuming the compound is dissolved in water, what is the formula for phosphorous acid?
A
HPO3
B
H2PO3
C
H3PO3
D
H3PO4
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that phosphorous acid is an oxyacid of phosphorus, where phosphorus is bonded to oxygen and hydrogen atoms.
Recall that the general formula for phosphorous acid is derived from the number of hydrogen atoms bonded to oxygen and phosphorus, which affects its acidic properties.
Recognize that phosphorous acid contains three hydrogen atoms, but not all are acidic hydrogens; specifically, it has two acidic hydrogens bonded to oxygen and one hydrogen bonded directly to phosphorus.
Write the correct molecular formula by combining the phosphorus atom (P), three oxygen atoms (O3), and three hydrogen atoms (H3), resulting in \(\mathrm{H_3PO_3}\).
Confirm that this formula differs from phosphoric acid (\(\mathrm{H_3PO_4}\)) by having one less oxygen atom, which is characteristic of phosphorous acid.
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