Question

Which of the following criteria most accurately describes the primary difference between a strong versus weak acid?

A) Difference in their respective pH
B) Relative [H3O+] concentrations
C) The electronegativity of its conjugate base
D) Complete versus partial ionization in water.

Answer 1

The primary difference between strong and weak acids is that strong acids completely ionize in water while weak acids only partially ionize, resulting in different concentrations of H3O+ ions in solution.

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary difference between a strong and a weak acid is D) Complete versus partial ionization in water. Strong acids completely dissociate in water, releasing H+ ions (protons) and their corresponding anions. This leads to higher concentrations of H3O+ in solution. Weak acids only partially ionize in water, resulting in a mixture of un-ionized acid and ions.

For example, hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a strong acid and dissociates completely in water:

HCl (aq) → H+ (aq) + Cl- (aq)

Acetic acid (CH3COOH), however, is a weak acid and only partially dissociates:

CH3COOH (aq) ↔ H+ (aq) + CH3COO- (aq)