Understanding HCN as a Weak Acid

The video tutorial discusses whether hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is an acid, base, or neutral. HCN, also known as prussic acid, is identified as an acid because it starts with hydrogen (H). Although it is not a strong acid, it is classified as a weak acid. The video explains that weak acids like HCN do not dissociate completely into ions, meaning most of the HCN remains intact. The tutorial concludes by affirming that HCN is indeed an acid, albeit a weak one.

What is the primary question being addressed about HCN in the video?

• Whether HCN is a strong base

• Whether HCN is an acid, base, or neutral

• Whether HCN is a strong acid

• Whether HCN is a neutral compound

What is the old name sometimes used for HCN?

• Hydrochloric acid

• Prussic acid

• Sulfuric acid

• Nitric acid

What is a clue that suggests HCN might be an acid?

• It ends with 'N'

• It is commonly found in nature

• It is a colorless gas

• It starts with 'H'

What is the significance of the 'H' in front of HCN?

• It shows the compound is a salt

• It means the compound is neutral

• It suggests the compound is an acid

• It indicates a strong base

Why is HCN not classified as a strong acid?

• It is not on the list of common strong acids

• It does not contain oxygen

• It is a solid at room temperature

• It has a high boiling point

What does it mean for HCN to be a weak acid?

• It partially dissociates into ions

• It does not dissociate at all

• It is not soluble in water

• It completely dissociates in water

What happens to most of the HCN molecules in a solution?

• They completely dissociate into ions

• They remain as HCN molecules

• They form a precipitate

• They react with water to form a base