Question

1. which of the following is true concerning boric acid?

a. boric acid contains hydrogen and boron only.
b. boric acid contains hydrogen with the borate oxyanion.
c. boric acid is a binary acid.
d. boric acid does not contain hydrogen.

Explanation:

1. First, recall the chemical formula of boric acid: $\text{H}_3\text{BO}_3$. It contains hydrogen (H), boron (B), and oxygen (O).
2. Analyze each option:

• Option a: Incorrect, as boric acid also contains oxygen.
• Option b: Correct, the borate oxyanion is $\text{BO}_3^{3-}$, and boric acid consists of this oxyanion bonded to hydrogen ions ($\text{H}^+$).
• Option c: Incorrect, binary acids only contain two elements, but boric acid has three.
• Option d: Incorrect, the formula clearly shows hydrogen is present.

Answer:

b. Boric acid contains hydrogen with the borate oxyanion.