Which one of the following is most acidic?

Which one of the following is most acidic?
  1. $\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}$
  2. $\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{~S}$
  3. $\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{Te}$
  4. $\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{Se}$

Solution

As the size of central atom, (order of size $\mathrm{O}>\mathrm{S}>\mathrm{Se}>\mathrm{Te}$ ) increases, the $\mathrm{H}-A$ (where $A=$ central atom) bond length increases. Thus, the $\mathrm{H}-\mathrm{A}$ bond dissociation energy decreases. Consequently $\mathrm{H}_2$ Te gives a proton $\left(\mathrm{H}^{+}\right)$more readily. Hence, it is most acidic among the given. $\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{Te}+\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O} \longrightarrow \mathrm{H}_3 \mathrm{O}^{+}+\mathrm{HTe}^{-}$

Asked in: AP EAMCET 2010

Practice more Elements of Group 1 and 2 questions on Aicharya