List the following acids in order of increasing strength:
HClO₂ HClO₃ HClO₄

Question

List the following acids in order of increasing strength: HClO₂ HClO₃ HClO₄ A)HClO₂ < HClO₄ < HClO₃ B)HClO₄ < HClO₃ < HClO₂ C)HClO₄ < HClO₂ < HClO₃ D)HClO₃ < HClO₂ < HClO₄ E)HClO₂ < HClO₃ < HClO₄

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The strength of an acid is determined by its ability to donate a hydrogen ion (H+). In this case, the acid with the smallest exponent on the central atom (in this case, Cl) will have a weaker bond and will be more likely to donate an H+. Therefore, HClO₂ will be the weakest acid, followed by HClO₃, and HClO₄ will be the strongest acid. Therefore, the correct order of increasing strength is HClO₂ < HClO₃ < HClO₄, which is answer choice E.

List the Following Acids in Order of Increasing Strength