Question

Very strong acids, such as $HN{O}_3$ and $HCl$, appear to be equally strong in water. This "leveling effect" of water is because

• A. $O{H}^{-}$ is a stronger base than the conjugate bases of $HN{O}_3$ and $HCl$
• B. $H_3{O}^{+}$ is a stronger acid than $HN{O}_3$ and $HCl$
• C. $H_{2}O$ is a stronger base than the conjugate bases of $HN{O}_3$ and $HCl$
• D. $H_{2}O$ is a weaker base than the conjugate bases of $HN{O}_3$ and $HCl$

Answer 1

The correct option is C $H_{2}O$ is a stronger base than the conjugate bases of $HN{O}_3$ and $HCl$

Very strong acids, such as $HN{O}_3$ and $HCl$, appear to be equally strong in the water. This "leveling effect" of water is because $H_{2}O$ is a stronger base than the conjugate bases of $HN{O}_3$ and $HCl$.

Hence, option (C) is the correct answer.

Note: When a strong acid is dissolved in water, it reacts with water to form hydronium ion $\left(H_3{O}^{+}\right)$.

$HCl+H_{2}O\to H_3{O}^{+}+C{l}^{-}$