The Difference Between Strong Acids and Weak Acids

In chemistry, the strength of an acid is determined by its ability to donate hydrogen ions (H+). A strong acid completely dissociates in water, releasing all of its hydrogen ions, while a weak acid only partially dissociates, releasing some of its hydrogen ions.

Strong acids, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4), have a higher concentration of hydrogen ions and lower pH levels compared to weak acids, like acetic acid (CH3COOH) and citric acid (C6H8O7).

Understanding the difference between strong and weak acids is crucial in comprehending the behavior of acids and bases in chemical reactions.