Question

For each molecule of sulfuric acid, how many hydrogen ions are released in water?

Answer 1

Usually 2..........

Explanation:

The conjugate base of sulfuric, `H_2SO_4`, is bisulfate, `HSO_4^-`, which is itself a reasonably strong acid. In aqueous solution, the given equilibrium lies to the right:

`H_2SO_4(aq) + 2H_2O(l) rightleftharpoons2H_3O^+ + SO_4^(2-)`

As chemists, as physical scientists, we should seek out some quantitative data:

this site quotes `pK_(a_1)=-3.0;pK_(a2)=1.99`.