Question

Which is the stronger acid, HF or CH4? Why does HF ionize but CH4 does not? What is the difference between ionization and dissociation?

Answer 1

is more electronegative (the electrons are more attracted to X, so the acid is more likely to ionize into H+ and X- ions). Thus, HF is an acid but CH4 is not. 2) Bond Strength - Acids with stronger H-X bonds are weaker acids; bond strength decreases as X becomes larger. Thus, HI > HBr > HCl > HF.