Chemistry
Differentiate between (i) strong and weak acid (ii) strong and weak alkali with suitable examples and ionic equations.
Answer
(i) Differences between strong and weak acid are as follows :
| Strong Acid | Weak Acid |
|---|---|
| Strong Acid is an acid which dissociates almost completely in aqueous solution there by producing a high concentration of hydrogen [H+] ions [or H3O+ ions] | Weak Acid is an acid which dissociates only partially in aqueous solution thereby producing a low concentration of hydrogen [H+] ions [or H3O+ ions]. |
| HNO3 + H2O ⇌ H3O+ + NO3- [contains almost only ions] | CH3COOH ⇌ CH3COO- + H+ [contains molecules and ions] |
| Examples : Hydrochloric, Sulphuric and Nitric acid. | Examples : Acetic, citric, carbonic, and formic acid. |
(ii) Differences between strong alkali and and weak alkali are as follows :
| Strong alkali | Weak Alkali |
|---|---|
| Strong Alkali is an alkali which dissociates almost completely in aqueous solution thereby producing a high concentration of hydroxyl [OH-] ions. | Weak Alkali is an alkali which dissociates only partially in aqueous solution thereby producing a low concentration of hydroxyl [OH-] ions. |
| NaOH [aq.] ⇌ Na+ + OH- [contains almost only ions] | NH4OH [aq.] ⇌ NH4+ + OH- [contains molecules and ions] |
| Examples : Lithium, Sodium and Potassium hydroxide | Examples : Ammonium hydroxide and Calcium hydroxide. |
Related Questions
State on what basis does the strength of an acid and an alkali depend on.
Name the ions formed when — HCl; HNO3; H2SO4; CH3COOH; NaOH and NH4OH ionise in aq. soln.
State giving reasons which is a stronger acid — dil. HCl or conc. H2CO3.
Differentiate between:
(i) Organic and inorganic acids.
(ii) Hydracids and oxyacids with examples.