Question
Question: What is the difference between a strong acid and a weak acid as well as a strong base versus a weak ...
What is the difference between a strong acid and a weak acid as well as a strong base versus a weak base with regards to ionization?
Solution
Hint : The Bronsted–Lowry theory, also known as the proton theory of acids and bases, is a theory proposed by the Danish chemist Johannes Nicolaus Brnsted and the English chemist Thomas Martin Lowry in 1923. It states that any compound that can transfer a proton to another compound is an acid, and any compound that accepts the proton is a base.
Complete Step By Step Answer:
To understand the difference between a strong acid and a weak acid as well as a strong base versus a weak base with regards to ionization Let's look at the Bronsted-Lowry concept of acids and bases. It states that:
H+ionsare donated to an aqueous solution if it’s an acid
H+ionsare accepted in an aqueous solution if it’s a base
In an aqueous solution, strong acids like HClwill almost completely dissociate, or ionise, into ions:
HCl(aq)→H+(aq)+Cl−(aq)
Weak acids, such as acetic acid ( CH3COOH ), do not ionise to the same degree as strong acids, but they do ionise to some extent, and this reaction occurs:CH3COOH(aq)⇌H+(aq)+CH3COO−(aq)
In an aqueous solution, strong bases like NaOH can essentially totally ionize, or dissociate, into ions.NaOH(aq)→OH−(aq)+Na+(aq)
Weak bases, like NH3, like weak acids, can dissociate just very slightly in an aqueous solution. The reaction described below will occur, but it will be uncommon.NH3(aq)⇌OH−(aq)+NH4+(aq)
Note :
A material can only act as an acid in the presence of a base, and a substance can only function as a base in the presence of an acid, according to the Bronsted–Lowry system. Furthermore, when an acidic substance lacks a proton, it forms a base known as an acid's conjugate base, and when a basic substance gains a proton, it forms an acid known as a base's conjugate acid.