Strong and weak acids Flashcards
Why are some acids called dilute solutions, and other concentrated solutions?
Some acids are safer to use than others, you can make acids safer to use by adding some water to dilute them.
Why are some acids called strong acids and others weak acids?
Although acids such as hydrochloric acid are strong acids, others such as citric acid, are weak acids. Weak acids are not harmful, even when in concentrated solutions. Carboxylic acids, including ethanoic acid, are weak acids.
What are some examples of weak acids?
1) Ethanoic acid (found in vinegar)
2) Citric acid (found in citrus fruits)
3) Carbonic acid (found in rain water, and fizzy drinks)
What are some examples of strong acids?
1) Hydrochloric acid
2) Nitric acid
3) Sulfuric acid
Why must acids be dissolved in water to show their acidic properties?
Because all acids ionize in water to form H+ ions and negative ions.
Why in weak acid most of the molecules stay as they are and do not release H+ ions into the solution?
The reaction is reversible for weak acids, unlike the ionization of a strong acid. This means some molecules will split to form H+ ions and negative ions but others will re-join to form the whole molecule again. A position of equilibrium is reached in which both whole molecules and their ions are present.
How are pH values related to the concentration of H+ ions?
As the concentration of hydrogen ions, H+ (aq) decreases by a factor of 10, the pH value increases by one unit. Therefore, increasing the concentration of H+ ions by a factor of 10 decreases the pH by one unit.
