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JAMB Chemistry 1993 Question 18

Question 18

Acids, Bases and Salts

A student prepares 0.5 M solution each of hydrochloric and ethanoic acids and then measured their pH. The result would show that the

  1. A.pH values are equal
  2. B.HCl solution has a higher pH
  3. C.sum of the pH values is 14
  4. D.ethanoic acid solution has a higher pH
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (ethanoic acid solution has a higher pH)

Explanation

HCl is a strong acid and ionizes fully, while ethanoic acid is weak and ionizes only slightly. Ethanoic acid gives fewer H+ ions at the same concentration, so its pH is higher.