Question

What are the solute particles present in aqueous solutions of each compound acetic acid, hc2h3o2?

Answer 1

In addition to water, an aqueous solution of acetic acid shall contain a mixture of

• Acetic acid molecules $\text{CH}_3 \text{COOH} \; (aq)$ or equivalently $\text{H} \text{C}_2\text{H}_3 \text{O}_2$ that weren't dissociated.
• Hydronium ions $\text{H}_3\text{O}^{+} \; (aq)$, and
• Acetate ions $\text{CH}_3\text{COO}^{-} \; (aq)$ or equivalently ${\text{C}_2\text{H}_3 \text{O}_2}^{-}$

Explanation:

Like most acids $\text{H} \text{C}_2\text{H}_3 \text{O}_2$ combine with water molecules and ionizes produce hydronium ions and its conjugate base, ${\text{C}_2\text{H}_3 \text{O}_2}^{-}$, when dissolved to form an aqueous solution.

$\text{H} \text{C}_2\text{H}_3 \text{O}_2 \; (aq) + \text{H}_2\text{O}\; (l) \rightleftharpoons {\text{C}_2\text{H}_3 \text{O}_2 \; (aq)}^{-} \; (aq) + {\text{H}_3\text{O}}^{+} \; (aq)$

However the ionization process does not proceed to completion for this weak electrolyte; a majority of $\text{H} \text{C}_2\text{H}_3 \text{O}_2$ would stay in the undissociated form while only trace amounts of hydronium ions and ${\text{C}_2\text{H}_3 \text{O}_2}^{-}$ are present in the solution.