One of these pictures represents a solution of HCl and one represents a solution of H 2 SO 4 . Which is which?a.
b.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the chemical formulas for hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulfuric acid (H_2SO_4).
2. Recognize that in a solution, HCl dissociates into H^+ (cation) and Cl^- (anion), while H_2SO_4 dissociates into 2H^+ (cations) and SO_4^{2-} (anion).
3. Count the number of cations and anions in each image to determine the ratio of cations to anions.
4. In image (a), observe the number of cations and anions and compare it to the expected dissociation of HCl and H_2SO_4.
5. In image (b), observe the number of cations and anions and compare it to the expected dissociation of HCl and H_2SO_4.

Key Concepts

Acid Dissociation

Acid dissociation refers to the process by which an acid releases protons (H⁺ ions) into a solution. Strong acids, like HCl and H₂SO₄, dissociate completely in water, meaning they release all their available protons. Understanding this concept is crucial for distinguishing between different acids based on their dissociation behavior and the resulting concentration of ions in solution.

Ion Composition of Solutions

The ion composition of a solution is determined by the types of ions produced when an acid dissolves in water. HCl dissociates into H⁺ and Cl⁻ ions, while H₂SO₄ dissociates into two H⁺ ions and one SO₄²⁻ ion. Recognizing the specific ions present in each solution helps in identifying which image corresponds to which acid based on the number and type of cations and anions depicted.

Visual Representation of Ionic Solutions

Visual representations of ionic solutions often depict cations and anions to illustrate the composition of the solution. In the provided images, the arrangement and quantity of blue (cations) and red (anions) spheres can indicate the type of acid present. Analyzing these visual cues is essential for determining the correct identification of HCl and H₂SO₄ solutions based on their ionic structures.