Question

Dilute sulphuric acid splits into:
(A) oxygen ions and hydrogen ions
(B) oxygen ions, hydrogen ions and sulfate ions
(C) oxygen ions, hydrogen ions and sulphate ions
(D) hydrogen ions and sulphate ions

Answer 1

Hint: Dissociation of acids depends upon the stability of the conjugate base formed,and Dissociation of base depends upon the stability of the conjugate acid formed. Strong acids dissociate completely whereas weak acids do not show complete dissociates.

Complete step by step answer:
Acid strength refers to the tendency of an acid,symbolized as HA, to dissociate into a proton, ${{H}^{+}}$ and an anion, ${{A}^{-}}$. The dissociation of a strong acid in solution is effectively complete, except in its most concentrated solutions. Strong acids are in equilibrium with their conjugate bases. However, the free energy of dissociation is so high that for all practical purposes the acid is completely dissociated. The strength of acid is largely determined by the stability of the anion being generated.
Sulfuric acid or sulphuric acid, also known as oil of vitriol, is a mineral acid composed of the elements sulfur, oxygen and hydrogen, with molecular formula ${{H}_{2}}S{{O}_{4}}$. It is a colourless, odourless and viscous liquid that is soluble in water.
In a solution, dilute sulphuric acid splits into ions by the following reaction:
\[{{H}_{2}}S{{O}_{4}}\to 2{{H}^{+}}+S{{O}_{4}}^{-2}\]
Thus, dilute sulfuric acid splits into two hydrogen atoms ($2{{H}^{+}}$) and sulphate ions ($S{{O}_{4}}^{-2}$).
Hence, the correct answer is the D option.

Note: For an aqueous solution of a weak acid, the dissociation constant is called the acid ionization constant (Ka). Similarly, the equilibrium constant for the reaction of a weak base with water is the base ionization constant(Kb).