Question

A scientist dissolved a white powder in water and noted that the resulting solution was acidic. Why should the scientist not infer that the white powder contained hydrogen ions?

Answer 1

Ans.

When a white powder is dissolved in water, the solution turns into acidic solution. It indicates the acidic nature of white powder. However, it is not necessary that for an acid to have the protons or hydrogen ions in it (according to Lewis theory).

For examples, Lewis acids, such as BF3, BI3, and Bcl3 are acids, but they do not have any proton. Thus, the scientist should not infer that the white-powder contains hydrogen ions.

Answer 2

Not all acids contain hydrogen ions. Lewis acids serve as an example of this.