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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements correctly describes the difference between a strong acid and a weak acid?
A
A strong acid has a lower concentration than a weak acid.
B
A strong acid completely dissociates in water, while a weak acid only partially dissociates.
C
A strong acid has a higher pH 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: In chemistry, acids are substances that can donate protons (H⁺ ions) to other substances. The strength of an acid is determined by its ability to dissociate in water.
Define strong acids: A strong acid is one that completely dissociates in water, meaning that all of its molecules break apart to release H⁺ ions. This results in a high concentration of H⁺ ions in the solution.
Define weak acids: A weak acid only partially dissociates in water, meaning that only a fraction of its molecules release H⁺ ions. This results in a lower concentration of H⁺ ions compared to a strong acid.
Evaluate the statement about concentration: The concentration of an acid refers to the amount of acid dissolved in a solution, not its dissociation. Therefore, the statement 'A strong acid has a lower concentration than a weak acid' is incorrect.
Consider the statement about pH and corrosiveness: The pH of a solution is a measure of its acidity, with lower pH values indicating higher acidity. Strong acids typically have lower pH values than weak acids. Corrosiveness is not solely determined by acid strength; it also depends on the specific chemical properties of the acid.