Compounds such as alcohols and glucose also contain hydrogen but are not categorized as acids.

Question.
Compounds such as alcohols and glucose also contain hydrogen but are not categorized as acids. Describe an activity to prove it.

solution:
Acitivity
Step 1- Two nails are fitted on a cork and are kept it in a 100 mL beaker.

Step 2- The nails are then connected to the two terminals of a 6-volt battery through a bulb and a switch.

Step 3- Some dilute HCl is poured in the beaker and the current is switched on.

Step 4- The same experiment is then performed with glucose solution and alcohol solution.

Observations : It will be observed that the bulb glows in the HCl solution and does not glow in the glucose solution and alcohol solution.

Result : $\mathrm{HCl}$ dissociates into $\mathrm{H}^{+}$(aq) and $\mathrm{Cl}$ (aq) ions. These ions conduct electricity in the solution which results in the glowing of the bulb. On the other hand, the glucose solution and alcohol solution does not dissociate into ions. Therefore, it does not conduct electricity. (Refer Active Chemistry $3.8$ for figure).

Conclusion : From this activity, it can be concluded that all acids contain hydrogen but not all compounds containing hydrogen are acids. That is why, though alcohols and glucose contain hydrogen, they are not categorised as acids.

Leave a comment

Close

Click here to get exam-ready with eSaral

For making your preparation journey smoother of JEE, NEET and Class 8 to 10, grab our app now.

Download Now