The following pictures represent solutions of three salts NaA (A^- = X^-,Y^-,or Z^-);water molecules and Na⁺ ions have been omitted for clarity.Arrange the three A^- ions in order of decreasing base strength.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The base strength is directly related to the basicity of the anions. In this case, since all three ions have the same cation (Na+), the difference in base strength will depend on the anions (A^-). The order of decreasing basicity (increasing acidity) of the three anions can be determined by looking at the electronegativity of the elements X, Y, and Z. Since electronegativity increases from left to right in the periodic table, we can assume that Z (which is located on the right side of the periodic table) is the most electronegative and will, therefore, have the highest acidity. Hence, Z^- will be the least basic of the three anions. X^- and Y^- are both located on the left side of Z in the periodic table, but Y is closer to the right side than X. Therefore, Y^- will be more acidic (less basic) than X^-. Thus, the correct order of decreasing base strength is: X^- > Z^- > Y^-. The answer is B.

The Following Pictures Represent Solutions of Three Salts NaA (A-

The Following Pictures Represent Solutions of Three Salts NaA (A^-