identify the weakest and strongest acids in the group of three below. the weakest acid is listed first in the responses. H20, CH4, NH3
a. H2O < NH3 d. CH4 < H2O
b. H2O < CH4 e. NH3 < CH4
c. CH4 < NH3
To check for the Strength of the acid, we need to find the Stability of the conjugate base
H2O ----> H+ + OH-
CH4 ----> H+ + CH3-
NH3 ----> H+ + NH2-
OH- is the conjugate base for H2O
CH3- is the conjugate base for CH4
NH2- is the conjugate base for NH3
Out of the three conjugate bases, OH- is the most stable followed by NH2- and CH3- is the least stable based on the electronegativity of O, N and C.
Since the conjugate base of H2O i.e. OH- is most stable, H2O is teh most acidic amongst all.
Conjugate base of CH4 is the least stable. Hence, CH4 is the weakest acid
d) CH4 < H2O
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