Question

Which factor listed below is most important in determining the strength of an oxyacid?

• A. The size of the molecule
• B. The molecular mass of the molecule
• C. The identity of the central atom in the molecule
• D. The number of oxygen atoms present in the molecule
• E. The ability of the molecule to vaporize

Answer 1

The correct option is D The number of oxygen atoms present in the molecule

All oxoacids have the acidic hydrogen bound to an oxygen atom, so bond strength(length) is not a factor, as it is with binary nonmetal hydrides. Rather, the electronegativity of the central atom (X) and the number of O atoms determine oxoacid acidity. Hence number of oxygen atoms present in the molecule are important in determining the strength of an oxyacid.