Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements correctly describes the difference between a strong acid and a weak acid?
A
A strong acid completely dissociates in water, while a weak acid only partially dissociates.
B
A strong acid has a higher pH than a weak acid.
C
A strong acid has a lower concentration than a weak acid.
D
A strong acid is always more corrosive than a weak acid.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of acid dissociation: A strong acid is one that completely dissociates into its ions in water, meaning it releases all of its hydrogen ions (H⁺) into the solution. A weak acid only partially dissociates, meaning only some of its hydrogen ions are released into the solution.
Consider the pH scale: The pH scale measures the acidity of a solution. Strong acids, which release more hydrogen ions, typically result in a lower pH compared to weak acids. Therefore, a strong acid does not have a higher pH than a weak acid.
Evaluate concentration: The concentration of an acid refers to the amount of acid present in a solution. The strength of an acid (strong vs. weak) is independent of its concentration. A strong acid can be present in a solution at any concentration, and similarly, a weak acid can be concentrated or dilute.
Assess corrosiveness: Corrosiveness is a property that depends on various factors, including the type of acid and its concentration. While strong acids can be more corrosive due to their complete dissociation, it is not a rule that they are always more corrosive than weak acids.
Identify the correct statement: Based on the understanding of dissociation, pH, concentration, and corrosiveness, the correct statement is that a strong acid completely dissociates in water, while a weak acid only partially dissociates.