4.3.13

Strong and Weak Acids

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Strong vs Weak Acids

All acids ionise (become ions) in aqueous solutions. The strength of an acid is determined by how much it ionises in water. The strength of an acid is NOT the same as the concentration of an acid!

Illustrative background for Strong acidsIllustrative background for Strong acids ?? "content

Strong acids

  • Fully ionise in water, meaning that all of the acid molecules break up to form H+ ions.
  • E.g. hydrochloric acid:
    • HCl → H+ + Cl-
  • Sulfuric and nitric acid are also strong acids.
Illustrative background for Weak acidsIllustrative background for Weak acids ?? "content

Weak acids

  • Only partially ionise in water, meaning that not all of the acid molecules break up to form H+ ions.
  • E.g. ethanoic acid (the main ingredient in vinegar):
    • CH3COOH ⇌ CH3COO- + H+
  • Most acids are weak acids.

Jump to other topics

1Atomic Structure

2Chemical Bonding

3Quantitative Chemistry

4Chemical Changes

5Energy Changes

6The Rate & Extent of Chemical Change

7Organic Chemistry

8Chemical Analysis

9Chemistry of the Atmosphere

10Using Resources

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