Chemical Forums
Chemistry Forums for Students => Undergraduate General Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: labratattack on February 05, 2019, 12:31:01 AM
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referred here from reddit.
Why does acetic acid + NaOH have a larger ∆Hrxn than HCl + NaOH?
This question comes from general chemistry II lab and is not for a grade (not sure if that matters here or not), but more of a challenge question. Will someone help me understand? Thank you
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What is the actual reaction that happens in HCl + NaOH?
What else happens in AcOH + NaOH?
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HCl and NaOH both completely dissociate and form water plus ions. Acetic acid is a weak acid and doesn’t completely dissociate but NaOH does. So, because acetic acid doesn’t completely dissociate it’s ΔHrxn is greater?
Is that on the right track?
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Yes. Can you write equations for the reactions that occur? Assume (as I assume the question does) that you start with aqueous solutions of the reagents, so you don't have to consider the dissociation of e.g. NaOH - it's already dissociated.