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?

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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