7.1.9

Strong vs Weak Acids

Test yourself

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

1States of Matter

2Atoms, Elements & Compounds

3Stoichometry

4Electrochemistry

5Chemical Energetics

6Chemical Reactions

7Acids, Bases & Salts

8The Periodic Table

9Metals

10Chemistry of the Environment

11Organic Chemistry

11.1Formulae, Functional Groups & Terminology

11.2Naming Organic Compounds

11.3Fuels

11.4Alkanes

11.5Alkenes

11.6Alcohols

11.7Carboxylic Acids

11.8Polymers

12Experimental Techniques & Chemical Analysis

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