What are strong and weak acids ?

Question:

What are strong and weak acids ? In the following list of acids, separate strong acids from weak acids.

Hydrochloric acid, citric acid, acetic acid, nitric acid, formic acid, sulphuric acid.

Solution:

For the definitions of strong and weak acids and bases,

An acid may be defined as a substance which releases one or more H+ ions in aqueous solution. These ions exist as hydronium (H2O+) ions.

A base may be defined as a substance capable of releasing one or more OH ions in aqueous solution.

In general, mineral acids are strong acids while organic acids are weak. From the available list :

Strong acids : Hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sulphuric acid.

Weak acids : Citric acid, acetic acid, formic acid.

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