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Ch.16 - Acid-Base Equilibria
Chapter 16, Problem 41

Is each of the following statements true or false? (a) All strong acids contain one or more H atoms. (b) A strong acid is a strong electrolyte. (c) A 1.0-M solution of a strong acid will have pH = 1.0.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the definition of a strong acid. A strong acid is one that completely ionizes in solution, releasing hydrogen ions (H+).
Step 2: Evaluate statement (a). Consider whether all strong acids must contain hydrogen atoms. Since strong acids release H+ ions, they must contain hydrogen atoms. Therefore, statement (a) is true.
Step 3: Evaluate statement (b). A strong electrolyte is a substance that completely dissociates into ions in solution. Since strong acids completely ionize, they are strong electrolytes. Therefore, statement (b) is true.
Step 4: Evaluate statement (c). Use the formula for pH: \( \text{pH} = -\log[H^+] \). For a 1.0 M solution of a strong acid, the concentration of \( H^+ \) ions is 1.0 M, so \( \text{pH} = -\log(1.0) \). Calculate this to determine if the pH is 1.0.
Step 5: Conclude the truth value of each statement based on the evaluations in the previous steps.