When concentrated hydrochloric acid is added to water, much less heat is generated compared to sulfuric acid.
Why?
Why?
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Hydrochloric acid is a monoprotic acid, meaning it dissociates only one H+ ion, where Sulfuric acid is diprotic, meaning it dissociates two H+ ions. This reaction is exothermic, and increases in heat when the amount of H+ ions being dissolved increases.
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The exothermic reaction is H+ + H2O --> H3O+. Concentrated H2SO4 is almost 100% pure, concentrated HCl is already mixed with water (13M) so the exothermic reaction took place back at the plant.
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Hydrochloric acid is my weapon of choice