How Many Ionizable Hydrogen Atoms Are in Phosphorus Acid H3PO3?

[agoogler]

Homework Statement

What are the number of ionizable hydrogen atoms in phosphorus acid H₃PO₃?

Homework Equations

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The Attempt at a Solution

I didn't even know what "ionizable " means. ( This is not a homework questions, I'm solving sample questions for an entrance exam) . So I searched the web . But still I don't know how to decide the number of ionizable hydrogen atoms in H₃PO₃ . Please help.

 

[DrClaude]

Ionizable means that it can be made into an ion, which in the context of hydrogen in an acid means that it will liberate a H⁺ ion.

Have a look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphorous_acid#Acid-base_properties. At most 2 hydrogen ions will leave phosphorus acid, leaving HPO₃^2-. Therefore, phosphorus acid has two ionizable hydrogen atoms.

 

[agoogler]

@DrClaude But if I'm just given a random acid how can I find the number of onizable hydrogen atoms?

 

[DrClaude]

You can't. It something you have to know: what are the common acids and how they react.

 

[DeeNos]

As a scientist, it is important to always research and seek out information when faced with a new term or concept. In this case, "ionizable" refers to the ability of an atom or molecule to lose or gain an electron and become an ion. In the case of hydrogen atoms, they can become ionized by losing their electron and becoming a positively charged hydrogen ion (H+).

In phosphorus acid (H3PO3), there are three hydrogen atoms present. However, only two of these hydrogen atoms are directly bonded to the phosphorus atom and are therefore able to become ionized. The third hydrogen atom is bonded to an oxygen atom and is not directly involved in the ionization process.

Therefore, the number of ionizable hydrogen atoms in phosphorus acid (H3PO3) is two. It is important to consider the chemical structure and bonding of a molecule when determining the number of ionizable hydrogen atoms. I hope this helps!