Based on the following equilibrium reactions
`HNO_(2)+HF rarr H_(2)F^(+) +NO_(2)^(-)`
`CH_(3)COOH +HF rarrF + CH_(3)COOH_(2)^(+)`
`H_(2)O+CH_(3)COOH rarr H_(3)O^(+) +CH_(3)COO^(-)`
Which are the correct order (s) regarding acid strength

Options

A. `H_(2) Olt CH_(3)COOH`
B. `HF lt HNO_(2)`
C. `H_(2)O lt HF`
D. `CH_(2)COOH lt HNO_(2)`

Answer

To determine the correct order of acid strength based on the given equilibrium reactions, we need to analyze the reactions and the acids involved. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the solution:

### Step 1: Analyze the first reaction
**Reaction:**
\[ \text{HNO}_2 + \text{HF} \rightleftharpoons \text{H}_2\text{F}^+ + \text{NO}_2^- \]

In this reaction, HNO2 donates a proton (H+) to HF, indicating that HNO2 is a stronger acid than HF.

### Step 2: Analyze the second reaction
**Reaction:**
\[ \text{CH}_3\text{COOH} + \text{HF} \rightleftharpoons \text{F}^- + \text{CH}_3\text{COOH}_2^+ \]

Here, acetic acid (CH3COOH) donates a proton to HF. This indicates that HF is a stronger acid than acetic acid (CH3COOH).

### Step 3: Analyze the third reaction
**Reaction:**
\[ \text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{CH}_3\text{COOH} \rightleftharpoons \text{H}_3\text{O}^+ + \text{CH}_3\text{COO}^- \]

In this case, acetic acid donates a proton to water, showing that water is a weaker acid than acetic acid.

### Step 4: Compare the acids
From the analysis:
1. HNO2 > HF (from Step 1)
2. HF > CH3COOH (from Step 2)
3. CH3COOH > H2O (from Step 3)

### Step 5: Combine the comparisons
From the comparisons, we can establish the following order of acid strength:
- HNO2 > HF > CH3COOH > H2O

### Final Order of Acid Strength
Thus, the correct order of acid strength is:
\[ \text{HNO}_2 > \text{HF} > \text{CH}_3\text{COOH} > \text{H}_2\text{O} \]