How many hydrogen atoms does a molecule of acetic acid contain?
Four
The correct answer is Four.
The acidity of carboxylic acids is due to the polar nature of the O-H bond in the carboxyl group, which allows the hydrogen atom to be donated as a proton ($\text{H}^+$). Other examples of carboxylic acids include formic acid ($\text{HCOOH}$), propanoic acid ($\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{COOH}$), and butanoic acid ($\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{CH}_2\text{COOH}$). Counting hydrogen atoms in these molecules follows the same principle: sum up the hydrogens in the alkyl group (R) and the single hydrogen in the $\text{COOH}$ group.
Similar Questions
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Important Questions from Basic Concepts of Chemistry
- Which law states that a compound always contains the same elements in the same proportion by mass?
- Which of the following is NOT applicable to the Law of Constant Proportion?
- Which of the following best differentiates a mixture from a compound?
- Which of the following is an element?
- Which of the following best defines a heterogeneous mixture?
