Question

HC₂H₃O₂ is a ________.

1) strong acid
2) weak acid
3) strong base
4) weak base
5) non electrolyte

Answer 1

HC2H3O2, or acetic acid, does not fully dissociate in water and is not listed among strong acids, hence it is classified as a weak acid.

Step-by-step explanation:

HC2H3O2, commonly known as acetic acid, will dissociate in water to produce H+ ions and C2H3O2- ions, but this reaction does not go to completion and is best represented as a reversible reaction. This indicates that acetic acid is not a strong acid. Given that it is not listed among the few strong acids like HCl, it is classified as a weak acid. It might be ionized anywhere from 1% to 99%, but since it does not dissociate completely in solution, it cannot be considered a strong acid.