Glucose and alcohol both contain hydrogen atoms but are not considered acids. What experimental evidence woul…

Question

Glucose and alcohol both contain hydrogen atoms but are not considered acids. What experimental evidence would you use to justify this, and what does it tell us about the nature of H⁺ ions in acids?

Accepted Answer

## Model Answer **Experimental evidence (Activity 2.8):** When glucose and alcohol solutions are tested for electrical conductivity using a bulb-and-battery setup, the bulb does **not** glow, showing these solutions produce **no ions**. Acids like HCl make the bulb glow, proving they produce ions in solution. **Nature of H⁺ ions:** This tells us that mere presence of hydrogen is not enough for acidity. Acids specifically produce **H⁺(aq) / H₃O⁺ ions** in water, which are responsible for acidic properties. Glucose and alcohol do not ionise, so they are not acids. *Source: Chapter 2, Section 2.2 (Activity 2.8)* --- ## Explanation - **1 mark** for the experimental evidence (conductivity test — bulb glows with acids, not with glucose/alcohol). - **1 mark** for the conclusion about H⁺ ions (acids release H⁺(aq)/H₃O⁺; not all H-containing compounds do). - Examiners want you to name the specific activity/observation, not just state it vaguely. - Key phrase: "acids produce H⁺(aq) ions in solu…

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