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Which of the following correctly describes a strong acid?

A) a strong acid completely ionizes in water

B) a strong acid donates more than one proton

C) a strong acid contains at least one metal ion

D) a strong acid will not decompose

User Melquiades
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Final answer:

A strong acid is one that completely ionizes in water, releasing a high concentration of hydrogen ions, which makes it a strong electrolyte. An example of a strong acid is hydrochloric acid (HCl). A weak acid, such as acetic acid (HC2H3O2), only partially ionizes, making it weaker electrolyte.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct description of a strong acid is that a strong acid completely ionizes in water.

When an acid ionizes in water, it releases hydrogen ions (H+), which are simply protons. A strong acid, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl), ionizes completely in water to form a high concentration of H+ ions and the corresponding anion, leading to a strong conductive solution because it becomes a strong electrolyte as it dissociates fully into ions. In contrast, a weak acid like acetic acid (HC2H3O2), partially dissociates in water, which means not all of its molecules release H+ ions, making it a weak electrolyte.

User Etal
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