The basicity of \(H_3PO_4\)
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is option 3. 3.
The basicity of an acid refers to the number of hydrogen ions (protons, \( \text{H}^+ \)) that the acid can donate in an aqueous solution.
\(H_3PO_4\) (Phosphoric Acid):
The chemical formula for phosphoric acid is \( \text{H}_3\text{PO}_4 \). Phosphoric acid has three hydrogen atoms that are capable of being donated as \( \text{H}^+ \) ions.
Ionization Steps:
Phosphoric acid ionizes in three steps, each releasing one hydrogen ion:
\( \text{H}_3\text{PO}_4 \) → \( \text{H}^+ \) + \( \text{H}_2\text{PO}_4^- \)
\( \text{H}_2\text{PO}_4^- \) → \( \text{H}^+ \) + \( \text{HPO}_4^{2-} \)
\( \text{HPO}_4^{2-} \) → \( \text{H}^+ \) + \( \text{PO}_4^{3-} \)
Each step corresponds to the loss of one proton, meaning \( \text{H}_3\text{PO}_4 \) can donate three protons in total.
Basicity of \( H_3PO_4 \):
The basicity of \( \text{H}_3\text{PO}_4 \) is therefore 3, as it can donate three protons.
