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Chapter 15: Problem 27

Explain what is meant by the strength of an acid.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The strength of an acid refers to its ability to donate protons (H+) in a solution. Factors that determine acid strength include its dissociation constant (\(K_a\)), with a higher \(K_a\) indicating a stronger acid. For example, Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) is a strong acid as it ionizes completely in water, whereas Acetic acid (CH3COOH) is a weak acid as it only partially ionizes in water.

Step by step solution

01

Conceptual Definition

The strength of an acid refers to its ability to donate protons (H+) in a solution. An acid that can readily donate protons and hence ionize completely in a solution is referred to as a strong acid. Conversely, an acid that does not ionize completely and thus donates protons less readily is known as a weak acid.
02

Factors That Determine Acid Strength

The strength of an acid is determined by its dissociation constant (\(K_a\)), which measures the extent of ionization of the acid in water. A higher \(K_a\) value indicates a stronger acid.
03

Example of Acid Strength

An example can make this clearer. Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) is a strong acid because it ionizes completely in water, donating all its protons to form Hydronium ions (\(H_3O^+\)) and Chloride ions (\(Cl^-\)). On the other hand, Acetic acid (CH3COOH), a weak acid, only partially ionizes in water, releasing fewer protons.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Explain why small, highly charged metal ions are able to undergo hydrolysis.

The three common chromium oxides are \(\mathrm{CrO}\), \(\mathrm{Cr}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3},\) and \(\mathrm{CrO}_{3} .\) If \(\mathrm{Cr}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3}\) is amphoteric, what can you say about the acid-base properties of \(\mathrm{CrO}\) and \(\mathrm{CrO}_{3} ?\)

When the concentration of a strong acid is not substantially higher than \(1.0 \times 10^{-7} M,\) the ionization of water must be taken into account in the calculation of the solution's pH. (a) Derive an expression for the \(\mathrm{pH}\) of a strong acid solution, including the contribution to \(\left[\mathrm{H}^{+}\right]\) from \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\). (b) Calculate the \(\mathrm{pH}\) of a \(1.0 \times 10^{-7} M \mathrm{HCl}\) solution.

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