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

Answer 1

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

Sulphuric acid is the stronger acid of the two as for each molecule of sulphuric acid it gives out two $H^{+}$ ions in comparision to HCN (hydrocyanic acid) which gives only one. Also, pH of Sulphuric Acid is much lower than hydrocyanic acid, which justifies the fact that sulphuric acid is a highly strong acid as compared to hydrocyanic acid. Hence it will produce a higher concentration of $H^{+}$ ions.