Which of the following increases the strength of a binary acid, HY?
A)decreasing the electron affinity of Y and decreasing the H-Y bond strength
B)increasing the electron affinity of Y and increasing the H-Y bond strength
C)increasing the electron affinity of Y and decreasing the H-Y bond strength
D)decreasing the electron affinity of Y and increasing the H-Y bond strength
E)lowering the electron affinity of Y and decreasing the H-Y bond strength

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Increasing the electron affinity of Y makes it more able to stabilize the negative charge that results from the dissociation of the acid. However, decreasing the strength of the H-Y bond makes it easier for the hydrogen ion to dissociate from the acid. Thus, combination of these two factors results in the binary acid HY becoming stronger.

Which of the Following Increases the Strength of a Binary