Chapter 2

NCERT
Class 10
Science
Solutions
1. Why do HCl, HNO3, etc., show acidic characters in aqueous solutions while solutions of compounds like alcohol and glucose do not show acidic character?
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Question:

Why do HCl, HNO3, etc., show acidic characters in aqueous solutions while solutions of compounds like alcohol and glucose do not show acidic character?

Answer:

Acidic nature

  • An acid will always have a lower pH than (less than 7) anything that is basic (greater than 7). 
  • The term acid is derived from acidus, a Latin word meaning sour or harsh. It originally meant "of the flavour of the inegar." Lemon juice and other acids are included in acidic substances. 

Aqueous Solution Acidic Nature

  • The acidic nature of any compound is directly proportional to the H+ or hydrogen ion concentration. 
  • HCL (hydrochloric acid) and HNO3 (nitric acid) get dissolved in the aqueous solution, and a hydrogen ion is produced. 
  • Compounds like alcohol and glucose are basic in nature and don't generate hydrogen ions, thus not showing acidic behaviour.

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