Question:medium

Identify increasing order of acidity for following diprotic acids in aqueous solutions.

Show Hint

Down the group the H-E bond gets longer and weaker, so acidity rises.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2026
  • \(\text{H}_2\text{S} < \text{H}_2\text{Se} < \text{H}_2\text{Te}\)
  • \(\text{H}_2\text{Se} < \text{H}_2\text{S} < \text{H}_2\text{Te}\)
  • \(\text{H}_2\text{Te} < \text{H}_2\text{S} < \text{H}_2\text{Se}\)
  • \(\text{H}_2\text{Se} < \text{H}_2\text{Te} < \text{H}_2\text{S}\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Think about the conjugate base:
A stronger acid gives a more stable conjugate base. The bases here are $\text{HS}^-$, $\text{HSe}^-$ and $\text{HTe}^-$.

Step 2: Compare sizes:
Negative charge is spread over a larger volume in the bigger ion, so $\text{HTe}^-$ is the most stable and $\text{HS}^-$ is the least stable.

Step 3: Order:
Stability of the base follows $\text{HS}^- < \text{HSe}^- < \text{HTe}^-$, so acidity runs $\text{H}_2\text{S} < \text{H}_2\text{Se} < \text{H}_2\text{Te}$. This is exactly option (A); the other options break this size trend.

Final Answer:
The acidity order is H2S < H2Se < H2Te. \[ \boxed{\text{(A) }\text{H}_2\text{S}<\text{H}_2\text{Se}<\text{H}_2\text{Te}} \]
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