The World’s Strongest Acid Might be Gentle Enough to Eat

The video explores the concept of acids, focusing on the strongest known acid, carborane acid. It explains how acid strength is measured using the acid dissociation constant (KA) and the pH scale, and introduces super acids and the Hammett acidity function. Carborane acids are highlighted for their unique properties, being strong yet gentle, and their potential applications in various fields.

Which acid is often mistakenly thought to be the strongest due to its portrayal in media?

• Chlorinated carburane acid

• Hydrofluoric acid

• Sulfuric acid

• Fluoroantimonic acid

What is the primary characteristic of acids according to the transcript?

• They dissolve metals

• They donate protons

• They are always liquid

• They have a sour taste

What does the acid dissociation constant (KA) measure?

• The ratio of dissociated to intact acid molecules

• The temperature at which an acid boils

• The number of protons an acid can donate

• The color change in an acid

Why is the pH scale not suitable for measuring the strength of super acids?

• It cannot measure negative pH values

• It requires acids to be in solid form

• It only measures color changes

• It is only applicable to weak acids

What is the Hammett acidity function used for?

• Measuring the color of acids

• Calculating the density of acids

• Measuring the strength of super acids

• Determining the boiling point of acids

Which acid is considered the strongest in solid, liquid, and gas phases?

• Hydrochloric acid

• Chlorinated carburane acid

• Fluoroantimonic acid

• Sulfuric acid

What method was used to measure the strength of chlorinated carburane acid in its solid form?

• Color change observation

• Laser beam vibration measurement

• pH scale measurement

• Boiling point analysis

Why are carburane acids considered gentle despite their strength?

• They have a pleasant smell

• They are not found in nature

• They do not react with water

• They leave behind non-reactive conjugate bases

What unique structure do carburane acids have that contributes to their stability?

• A spherical shape

• A double helix structure

• A central cage of boron atoms

• A linear chain of carbon atoms

What potential application is mentioned for carburane acids due to their gentle nature?

• Pesticides

• Cleaning agents

• Vitamin supplements

• Fuel additives