Strong Acids and Bases
What is a strong acid?
The strength of an acid is determined by its ability to disassociate from H+ ions. For example when nitric acid (HNO3) is placed in water, the H+ ions separate from the NO3- ions. Some other strong acids are sulphuric acid (H2SO4) and hydrochloric acid (HCl). Also, all non-metal oxides are acidic. Remember when I said acids are very corrosive? Strong acids must be used with great care!
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What is a strong base?
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The strength of a base is determined by its ability to disassociate from OH- ions. For example when sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is put in water, it completely separates into Na+ ions and OH- ions. Some other strong bases are lithium hydroxide (LiOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH). Remember, all group 1 and group 2 metal oxides are bases.
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What about weak acids and bases?
Weak acids and bases partially disassociate in a solution and the reaction goes back and forth. For more examples of weak acids and bases click here.
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What is the difference between the strength of an acid or base and its concentration?
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The concentration of a liquid is determined by the number of moles per liter of water, whereas the strength is determined by the separation of ions is partial or complete.
How do you measure the strength of an acid or a base?
Ahhhh the pH scale and litmus paper.....