Chapter 14, Problem 92QRT

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

A classification of each of the compounds given below as a strong acid, strong base, weak base, amphoteric substance, or neither acid nor base has to be done.

Concept Introduction:

A strong acid must possess an ionisable proton which can be donated and its acid ionization constant should be large.  A strong base must have the capacity to accept a proton and its base ionization constant should be large.  Amphoteric substance can act both as an acid and a base.

The judgment of weak and strong are relative to each other which can be obtained by comparing their acid ionization constant or base ionization constant.  The substance having large value of $K_a$ will be stronger acid and large value of $K_b$ will be stronger base.