U2-1-3 - Strong and Weak Acids Flashcards
Conjugate base
Species formed when an acid loses a proton (H+)
Conjugate acid
Species formed when a base gains a proton (H+)
Identify the conjugate acid
HCN(aq) + H2O(ℓ) ⇌ CN−(aq) + H3O+(aq)
H3O+(aq)
acid formed by base (H2O) accepting a proton
Identify the conjugate base
HCN(aq) + H2O(ℓ) ⇌ CN−(aq) + H3O+(aq)
CN−(aq)
base formed by acid (HCN) donating a proton
Strong acid/base
Completely dissociates into ions in aqueous solution
Weak acid/base
Only partially dissociates into ions in aqueous solution
Examples of strong acids
HCl
H2SO4
HNO3
Examples of strong bases
Metal hydroxides
Examples of weak acids
CH3COOH (any organic acid)
H2CO3 (carbonic acid)
H2SO3 (sulfurous acid).
Examples of weak bases
NH3
amines (contain -NH2 group)
What is Ka?
Acid dissociation constant
If Ka is low, the acid is …
weak
(only partially dissociates)
If Ka is high, the acid is …
strong
(fully dissociates)
For strong acids, pKa is …
low.
For weak acids, pKa is …
high.