Classify each of the molecules on the left as an acid, base, or salt. The dissociation products of the molecules are shown to help you.


H₂SO₄ →2H⁺ + SO²₄⁻

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the given molecule: H₂SO₄.
2. Understand the dissociation process: H₂SO₄ dissociates into 2H⁺ and SO₄²⁻.
3. Recognize that the presence of H⁺ ions in the dissociation products indicates an acid.
4. Recall that acids are substances that increase the concentration of H⁺ ions in a solution.
5. Classify H₂SO₄ as an acid based on its dissociation into H⁺ ions.

Key Concepts

Acids and Bases

Acids are substances that can donate protons (H⁺ ions) in a solution, while bases are substances that can accept protons. The strength of an acid or base is often determined by its ability to dissociate in water, with strong acids fully dissociating and weak acids partially dissociating. Understanding these definitions is crucial for classifying molecules based on their dissociation products.

Dissociation

Dissociation refers to the process by which a compound breaks down into its constituent ions in a solution. For example, sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) dissociates into two hydrogen ions (H⁺) and one sulfate ion (SO₄²⁻). This process is essential for determining whether a molecule behaves as an acid, base, or salt based on the ions it produces.

Salts

Salts are ionic compounds formed from the neutralization reaction between an acid and a base. They typically consist of cations from the base and anions from the acid. In the context of the question, understanding how salts are formed and their properties helps in classifying molecules correctly, especially when considering their dissociation products.