Which of these lists of molecules is arranged in order of increasing acid strength? A)H₂S

Question

Which of these lists of molecules is arranged in order of increasing acid strength? A)H₂S < H₂O < H₂Se B)H₂O < H₂S < H₂Se C)H₂Se < H₂O < H₂S D)H₂S < H₂Se < H₂O E)H₂O < H₂Se < H₂S

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The acid strength increases with the electronegativity of the atom attached to the acidic hydrogen. In this case, since Se is the more electronegative atom compared to O and S, H₂Se will have the highest acid strength. Thus, the correct order of increasing acid strength is H₂O < H₂S < H₂Se, which is represented by option B.

Which of These Lists of Molecules Is Arranged in Order