Strength of acids and bases - AB 2 Flashcards
What is a strong acid?
A strong acid is completely ionized in aqueous solution, producing hydrogen ions.
Give examples of strong acids.
Hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), and nitric acid (HNO3).
How do weak acids behave in solution?
They only partially ionize in water, establishing equilibrium between undissociated molecules and ions.
Give an example of a weak acid and explain its equilibrium.
Ethanoic acid (CH3COOH) ionizes partially, with the reverse reaction favored, leaving most molecules undissociated.
What defines a strong base?
A strong base completely dissociates in water to produce hydroxide ions (OH-).
Give examples of strong bases.
Group I hydroxides (NaOH, KOH) and Group II hydroxides (Ca(OH)2, Ba(OH)2).
What defines a weak base?
A weak base only partially reacts with water to form hydroxide ions.
Give an example of a weak base.
Ammonia (NH3) only partially reacts with water to produce NH4⁺ and OH-.
What is the difference between strength and concentration of acids and bases?
Strength refers to the extent of ionization, while concentration refers to the amount dissolved in solution.
What is Ka?
Ka is the equilibrium constant for acid ionization, indicating the strength of an acid.
What is the Ka value for ethanoic acid at 25°C?
1.8 × 10-5, showing it ionizes only slightly.
Why don’t strong acids have Ka values?
Because they completely ionize in solution, making Ka undefined.
