In the reaction between hydrogen selenide (H2Se) and water (H2O), H2Se acts as the acid, while H2O functions as the base. This is because H2Se donates a proton (H+) to water, forming the conjugate base, selenide (SeH−), and the conjugate acid, hydronium ion (H3O+). According to the periodic table, hydrogen is less electronegative than selenium, allowing H2Se to more readily donate a proton compared to water. Water, with a relatively high electronegativity, can accept a proton, making it the base in this acid-base reaction.
Use the periodic table to complete the activity.
An illustration shows the periodic table of elements with elements arranged in increasing order of atomic number in 18 columns (groups) and 7 rows (periods). The electronegativity of elements increases from left to right, across a period. The hydrogen on the left is included in group with medium electronegativity. Also, fluorine is shown as element with highest electronegativity.
Hydrogen selenide ( H2Se ) reacts with water according to the following equation.
H2Se+H2O→SeH−+H3O+
In three to five sentences, identify the acid, base, conjugate acid, and conjugate base in this reaction. Use the periodic table to explain why each substance acted as the acid or the base in this reaction.
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