According to the Bronsted Lowery concept, which of the following species cannot function as an acid?

Correct answer: A. SO42-

  • A. SO42-
  • B. H3O-
  • C. HSO4-
  • D. NH4+

Explanation

According to the Brønsted-Lowry concept, an acid is a species that can donate a proton (H+). The sulfate ion, SO42-, cannot donate a proton because it does not have any protons to donate, making it incapable of acting as an acid. In contrast, H3O-, HSO4-, and NH4+ all have protons that they can potentially donate, which allows them to function as acids according to this definition.

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About Acids, Bases and Salts

Acid and base behaviour is explained through the Bronsted-Lowry transfer of protons and the Lewis donation or acceptance of electron pairs. The topic includes pH, pOH, ionisation and water equilibrium, plus salt formation and hydrolysis, where a salt solution may become acidic, basic or neutral.

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