Provide a Brief Explanation, Based on Features of the Molecules

question 18

Essay

Provide a brief explanation, based on features of the molecules, for the following trend in pK_a values?
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CH₃CH₃ > CH₂=CH₂ > HCCH
ethane ethene ethyne
(ethylene) (acetylene)
51 44 25

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Definitions:

Punishment

A process through which the likelihood of a behavior's occurrence is decreased by presenting an adverse stimulus or removing a desirable stimulus following the behavior.

Extinguish

In psychology, to diminish the occurrence of a conditioned response by repeatedly presenting the conditioned stimulus without the unconditioned stimulus.

Learned Helplessness

A psychological condition in which individuals believe they lack control over events and therefore do not try to change their situation despite having the ability to do so.

Animals

Multicellular, eukaryotic organisms in the kingdom Animalia that are capable of movement and respond to their environment; they consume organic material, breathe oxygen, and can reproduce.