Acid HXOn contains a single O–H bond and a central atom X. The analogous acid HYOn contains the same number of oxygen atoms, but the central atom Y is in the same period as X. If X has an electronegativity of 2.5 and Y has an electronegativity of 3.0, which statement about their pKa values is most accurate?
a) Both acids have identical pKa values because they contain the same number of oxygen atoms.
b) HYOn has a larger pKa because its conjugate base is more stabilized.
c) HYOn is a weaker acid because its higher electronegativity strengthens the O–H bond.
d) HYOn has a smaller pKa because its conjugate base is more stabilized.