Assertion (A) > : Formic acid is a stronger acid than acetic acid. Reason (R) >: Formic acid is ah organic acid.

examrobotsa's picture

Submitted by examrobotsa on

Q: 127 (IAS/1998)

Assertion (A) : Formic acid is a stronger acid than acetic acid.
Reason (R): Formic acid is ah organic acid.

question_subject: 

Science

question_exam: 

IAS

stats: 

0,21,42,20,21,9,13

keywords: 

{'formic acid': [0, 1, 0, 0], 'stronger acid': [0, 1, 0, 0], 'acetic acid': [0, 0, 0, 1], 'organic acid': [0, 1, 0, 0]}

The correct answer is:

Both A and R are true, but R is NOT a correct explanation of A.

Explanation:

Formic acid (HCOOH) and acetic acid (CH3COOH) are both organic acids. Formic acid is indeed a stronger acid than acetic acid. This can be attributed to the difference in their molecular structures. Formic acid has a simpler structure and the presence of the electron-withdrawing hydrogen atom adjacent to the carboxylic acid group enhances its acidic nature. Acetic acid, on the other hand, has a methyl group attached to the carboxylic acid group, which reduces its acidity compared to formic acid.

However, the reason given in the assertion (R) that formic acid is an organic acid is not a correct explanation for it being a stronger acid than acetic acid. The acidity of an organic acid is not solely determined by the fact that it is an organic compound. The specific molecular structure and functional groups present in the acid molecule play a crucial role in determining its acidic strength. Therefore, while both the assertion (A) and the reason (R) are individually true, they are not directly related in terms of cause and effect.