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Difference between strong acid and weak acid.
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: September 25th, 2023
Strong acids ionize fully whereas weak acids ionize partially. Strong acids lose H+ if dissolved in water and losses less H+ in weak acids. Strong acids have high conductivity because of the presence of unpaired atoms whereas weak acids, it has low conductivity.
Strong Acid |
Weak Acid |
In an aqueous solution, strong acids fully ionise. |
In an aqueous solution, weak acids can partially ionise. |
Whenever it is dissolved in water, it always loses H+. |
If it is dissolved in water, it loses less H+. |
Due to the existence of unpaired atoms, it has a high conductivity. |
It has a low conductivity as a result of the lack of unpaired atoms. |
A higher degree of dissociation value. |
A lower degree of dissociation value. |
There are ionic bonds in it. |
Covalent bonds are present in it. |
Examples: HCl, H2SO4, etc. |
Example: CH3COOH, H3PO4, etc. |
Table of content
Properties of Acids
- Acids have a tendency to corrode.
- They are effective electrical conductors.
- Their pH levels are never greater than 7.
- These chemicals react with metals to form hydrogen gas.
- Acids have a sour flavor.
- Examples: Sulfuric acid [H2SO4], Hydrochloric acid [HCl], and Acetic acid [CH3COOH].
Uses of Acids
- Acetic acid is diluted into vinegar, which is used in many household processes. Its main application for it is as a food preservative.
- Lemon juice and orange juice both include citric acid as primary ingredients. Additionally, it can be used to preserve food.
- Acid sulphate is frequently used in batteries. This acid is frequently found in the batteries used to start car engines.
- Sulfuric acid and nitric acid are used in the industrial manufacturing of fertilisers, paints, dyes, and explosives.
- A significant component of many soft drinks is phosphoric acid.
Summary:
Difference between strong acid and weak acid.
While weak acids only partially ionise, strong acids do so completely. When dissolved in water, weak acids lose less H+ than strong acids do. Because unpaired atoms are present in strong acids, they have higher conductivity than weak acids, which have lower conductivity.