how do you show that sulfuric acid is a strong acid and ethanedioic acid is a weak acid

To show that sulfuric acid is a strong acid and ethanedioic acid is a weak acid, you can perform a simple experiment involving the neutralization of these acids with a strong base, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Here are the steps:

1. Prepare two solutions, one of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and one of ethanedioic acid (H2C2O4), each with the same molar concentration.

2. Prepare a solution of sodium hydroxide with a known molar concentration.

3. Using a pH meter, measure and record the initial pH of each acid solution.

4. Begin adding the sodium hydroxide solution to each acid solution, drop by drop, while continuously stirring.

5. After each addition of sodium hydroxide, measure and record the pH of the solutions.

6. Continue this process until the pH of the solutions no longer changes significantly with the addition of more sodium hydroxide. This is the point of neutralization.

7. Compare the volume of sodium hydroxide required to neutralize each acid.

Sulfuric acid is a strong acid, so it will require less sodium hydroxide to neutralize it compared to ethanedioic acid, which is a weak acid. This is because strong acids fully ionize in solution, releasing more hydrogen ions (H+) that can react with the hydroxide ions (OH-) from the sodium hydroxide. On the other hand, weak acids only partially ionize, releasing fewer hydrogen ions.

Also, the pH change will be more abrupt at the equivalence point for sulfuric acid compared to ethanedioic acid. This is another indication of the strength of an acid.

Remember to always follow safety guidelines when handling acids and bases, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.