Science — AI-generated practice question

HCl and H₂SO₄ show acidic character because they dissociate in water to produce H⁺(aq) / H₃O⁺ ions. Glucose, though it contains hydrogen atoms, does not dissociate to produce H⁺ ions in solution.

Activity 2.8:
Two nails fixed on a cork in a 100 mL beaker are connected to a 6V battery through a bulb. When dilute HCl or H₂SO₄ is poured in, the bulb glows, showing that ions (H⁺ and Cl⁻/SO₄²⁻) are present and conduct electricity. When glucose solution is used, the bulb does not glow, showing no ions are present.

Conclusion: Acidic character depends on the production of H⁺(aq) ions in solution, not merely on the presence of hydrogen atoms. Since glucose does not ionise, it shows no acidic character.

Source: Chapter 2, Section 2.2, Activity 2.8

---

• The examiner expects two parts: (1) the conceptual reason — ionisation producing H⁺ ions — and (2) a description of Activity 2.8 with observations and conclusion.
• Key contrast: HCl/H₂SO₄ → ions → bulb glows; glucose → no ions → bulb does not glow.
• Always state the conclusion explicitly — that acidic character is due to H⁺(aq) ions, not just hydrogen atoms.
• Avoid writing the full circuit diagram description; a brief procedural mention is enough for 3 marks.