UPSC Prelims 1998·GS1·science-and-technology·science and technology

Assertion (A): Formic acid is a stronger acid than acetic acid. Reason (R): Formic acid is an organic acid.

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  1. ABoth A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
  2. BBoth A and R are true, but R is NOT a correct explanation of ACorrect
  3. CA is true, but R is false
  4. DA is false, but R is true

Explanation

The correct answer is B because both statements are individually true, but the reason does not explain the assertion. Assertion A is true because formic acid is indeed stronger than acetic acid. This is due to the presence of a methyl group in acetic acid which pushes electrons toward the carboxyl group, making it harder to release a hydrogen ion. Formic acid lacks this group, making it more acidic. Reason R is true because formic acid is a carboxylic acid, which is a type of organic acid. However, being an organic acid is not the reason why it is stronger than acetic acid, as acetic acid is also an organic acid. Therefore, R is a correct statement but not the logical explanation for A.
science-and-technology: Assertion (A): Formic acid is a stronger acid than acetic acid. Reason (R): Formic acid is an organic acid.
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