Dissociation
Strong & Weak Acids
28 Sep 09
What is the difference between strong acids and weak acids?
Strong acids dissociate 100%.
What does this mean?
It means that all hydrogen ions are released allowing it to react with any anions. Therefore, strong acids are very reactive.
eg. HCl, H2SO4, HNO3
Weak acids dissociate less than 50% which make weak acids much less reactive than strong acids.
eg. CH3COOH (vinegar), H2CO3 (carbonic acid in blood)
Strong acids dissociate 100%.
What does this mean?
It means that all hydrogen ions are released allowing it to react with any anions. Therefore, strong acids are very reactive.
eg. HCl, H2SO4, HNO3
Weak acids dissociate less than 50% which make weak acids much less reactive than strong acids.
eg. CH3COOH (vinegar), H2CO3 (carbonic acid in blood)