One of these pictures represents a solution of HCl and one represents a solution of H₂SO₄. Which is which?
a. <IMAGE>
b. <IMAGE>

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Analyze the chemical properties of HCl and H₂SO₄. HCl dissociates into one cation (H⁺) and one anion (Cl⁻), while H₂SO₄ dissociates into two H⁺ cations and one SO₄²⁻ anion.
2. Step 2: Examine the images provided. Count the number of cations (blue spheres) and anions (red spheres) in each image. Identify which image has a 1:1 ratio of cations to anions (indicative of HCl) and which has a 2:1 ratio of cations to anions (indicative of H₂SO₄).
3. Step 3: For the image with a 1:1 ratio, assign it to the HCl solution, as HCl dissociates into equal numbers of H⁺ and Cl⁻ ions.
4. Step 4: For the image with a 2:1 ratio, assign it to the H₂SO₄ solution, as H₂SO₄ dissociates into two H⁺ ions for every SO₄²⁻ ion.
5. Step 5: Confirm your analysis by ensuring the ratios match the expected dissociation patterns of the acids. HCl should have equal numbers of cations and anions, while H₂SO₄ should have twice as many cations as anions.

Key Concepts

Strong Acids

Strong acids, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4), completely dissociate in water, releasing hydrogen ions (H+) and their respective anions. HCl dissociates into H+ and Cl-, while H2SO4 dissociates into H+ and SO4^2-. Understanding this dissociation is crucial for identifying the solutions based on the ions present.

Ion Concentration

The concentration of ions in a solution can indicate the type of acid present. HCl produces one H+ ion and one Cl- ion per molecule, while H2SO4 produces two H+ ions and one SO4^2- ion. Analyzing the ratio and types of cations and anions in the diagrams can help determine which solution corresponds to HCl and which to H2SO4.

Visual Representation of Ions

The diagrams provided visually represent the distribution of cations (blue) and anions (red) in the solutions. By examining the arrangement and quantity of these ions, one can infer the identity of the acid. For instance, a higher density of H+ ions would suggest a stronger acid like H2SO4, while a more balanced distribution may indicate HCl.