Grade 12 · Chemistry
The strengths of acids and bases
Why it matters
Strong versus weak; degree of ionization.
Advanced20m readingPrerequisite: Identifying acids and bases
What is the difference between strong and weak acids?
Short answer
A strong acid ionizes completely in water, releasing all of its hydrogen ions, while a weak acid ionizes only partially, so most of it stays as intact molecules in equilibrium with its ions. Strength refers to the degree of ionization, not concentration: a dilute strong acid is still strong, and a concentrated weak acid is still weak.
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Frequently asked questions
- Is a concentrated acid the same as a strong acid?
- No. Strength is the degree of ionization; concentration is how much acid is dissolved. A concentrated weak acid is still weak.
- Why do weak acids reach equilibrium?
- Because they ionize only partially, so intact molecules and their ions coexist in a dynamic equilibrium described by Ka.