Answer to Question #169001 in General Chemistry for Zak

Question

Define a strong acid and a weak acid

Answer 1

Any acid that dissociates 100% into ions is called a strong acid. If it does not dissociate 100%, it is a weak acid.

Strong acid like HCl,H₂SO₄ etc.

Weak acid like CH₃COOH,HCOOH etc

Definition

Weak Acid = Weak Acids are the acids that do not completely dissociate into their constituent ions when dissolved in solutions. When dissolved in water, an equilibrium is established between the concentration of the weak acid and its constituent ions.

Strong Acid = strong acid is one that is completely dissociated or ionized in an aqueous solution. It is a chemical species with a high capacity to lose a proton, H⁺. In water, a strong acid loses one proton, which is captured by water to form the hydronium ion: HA(aq) + H2O → H3O⁺(aq) + A^-(aq)