What is the Difference Between Binary and Ternary Acids

Acids play a fundamental role in chemistry. Binary and ternary acids are two significant categories of acids. In this article, we will explore the knowledge of the differences and similarities between binary and ternary acids, uncovering the elemental compositions that define their structures and their respective behaviour in terms of reactions.

What is the difference between binary and ternary acids?  Binary acids consist of hydrogen and one other element, while ternary acids involve hydrogen, another element, and oxygen.

Key Areas Covered

1. What are Binary Acids
      – Definition, Features
2. What are Ternary Acids
      – Definition, Features 
3. Similarities Between Binary and Ternary Acids
      – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Binary and Ternary Acids
      – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Binary and Ternary Acids
      – Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Binary Acids, Ternary Acids

What are Binary Acids

Binary acids are a subset of acids that consist of two elements, typically hydrogen and a nonmetal. The chemistry of binary acids revolves around their ionization in water, leading to the release of protons (H+) into the solution. Notable examples include hydrochloric acid (HCl), hydrobromic acid (HBr), and hydroiodic acid (HI).

Upon dissolving in water, these acids undergo ionization reactions, forming hydronium ions (H3O+) and the corresponding negative ions from the nonmetal. For instance, hydrochloric acid dissociates into chloride ions (Cl-) and hydronium ions. The equilibrium constant for these ionization reactions, known as the acid dissociation constant (Ka), is a crucial parameter indicating the strength of the binary acid.

Figure 1: Structure of Hydrogen Sulfide

Binary acids display distinct trends in strength based on the identity of the nonmetal. Generally, as you move down a group in the periodic table, the acidity of the binary acids increases. This trend is attributed to the larger atomic size and weaker bond strength in the heavier halogens, facilitating easier dissociation.

What are Ternary Acids

Ternary acids are compounds containing hydrogen, a non-metal, and oxygen. These acids typically consist of three elements and follow a specific chemical formula. Their unique properties and reactivity characterize the chemistry of ternary acids.

The naming of ternary acids follows a systematic approach based on the arrangement of atoms in the compound. Common ternary acids include oxyacids, where the central atom is surrounded by oxygen atoms. For example, sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid are well-known ternary acids.

Figure 2: Structure of Sulfuric Acid

The acidity of ternary acids is influenced by the electronegativity and oxidation states of the elements involved. The more electronegative the non-metal, the stronger the acid tends to be. Additionally, the number of oxygen atoms attached to the central atom affects the acid’s strength; generally, an increase in oxygen atoms enhances acidity.

Ternary acids participate in various chemical reactions, such as ionization in aqueous solutions. The dissociation of these acids releases hydronium ions, contributing to their characteristic acidic properties. Understanding the chemical behavior of ternary acids is crucial in fields like environmental chemistry, where acid rain, containing ternary acids, can have detrimental effects on ecosystems.

Similarities Between Binary and Ternary Acids

1. Both types of acids contain hydrogen ions (H⁺) and are capable of donating protons in aqueous solutions.
2. They play roles in acid-base reactions and can exhibit similar chemical behaviors.

Difference Between Binary and Ternary Acids

Definition

• Binary acids are acids composed of hydrogen and a single other element, while ternary acids are acids containing hydrogen, a non-metal, and oxygen.

Oxygen

• Binary acids lack oxygen in their composition, while ternary acids always include oxygen in addition to hydrogen and a non-metal.

Strength

• Ternary acids generally tend to be stronger acids than binary acids due to the presence of oxygen, which contributes to increased acidity.

Examples

• Examples of binary acids include hydrochloric acid (HCl), hydrofluoric acid (HF), hydrobromic acid (HBr), and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), while examples of ternary acids include sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), nitric acid (HNO₃), phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄), and carbonic acid (H₂CO₃).

Conclusion

In summary, the difference between binary and ternary acids lies in their elemental compositions and structural arrangements. Binary acids consist solely of hydrogen and a non-metal, lacking oxygen. Ternary acids incorporate three elements – hydrogen, a non-metal, and oxygen. Both types of acids are involved in acid-base reactions, with ternary acids often exhibiting greater strength due to the oxygen component.

FAQ: Binary and Ternary Acids

1. Is HCN binary or ternary? 

HCN (hydrogen cyanide) is a binary acid. It consists of hydrogen (H) and carbon (C), with no oxygen present in its chemical formula. Therefore, it falls under the category of binary acids.

2. Is HCl a binary or ternary acid?

HCl (hydrochloric acid) is a binary acid. It consists of hydrogen (H) and chlorine (Cl), with no oxygen present in its chemical formula. Therefore, it falls under the category of binary acids.

3. Is H₂SO₄ a ternary acid?

Yes, H₂SO₄ (sulfuric acid) is a ternary acid. It contains hydrogen, sulfur, and oxygen, making it a compound with three elements. Therefore, it falls under the category of ternary acids.

4. What is the difference between an acid and a binary acid?

An acid is a substance that can donate a proton (H+) to another substance. A binary acid is a type of acid that consists of hydrogen and one other element, whereas acids can consist of hydrogen along with one or more elements, including oxygen and non-metallic elements.

5. What is the difference between a binary solution and a ternary solution?

The main difference between a binary solution and a ternary solution is the number of components present in them. A binary solution is a homogeneous mixture composed of two different substances or components. In contrast, a ternary solution is a homogeneous mixture composed of three different substances or components.

Reference:

1. “Binary Acid.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
2. “Ternary Acids.” ClearCognition.org

Image Courtesy:

1. “Hydrogen-sulfide-3D-balls” By Ben Mills – Own work (Public Domain) via Wikimedia Commons 
2. “Sulfuric-acid-Givan-et-al-1999-3D-balls” By Ben Mills – Own work (Public Domain) via Wikimedia Commons