Question

You are given a 15% solution of sulphuric acid and a 15% solution of $HCN$ (hydrocyanic acid). Which solution has the higher concentration of $H^{+}$ ions?

• A. $H_{2}S{O}_4$
• B. $HCN$
• C. Both have equal concentration
• D. Cannot be determined

Answer 1

The correct option is A $H_{2}S{O}_4$

Sulphuric acid produces two hydrogen ions for each molecule of sulphuric acid while $HCN$ can give only one.
Also, the pH of sulphuric acid is lower than that of hydrocyanic acid, which tells us that sulphuric acid is a stronger acid. Hence it will produce a higher concentration of $H^{+}$ ions.