Chapter 15, Problem 15.8QE

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The difference between a strong acid and weak acids has to be determined.

Concept Introduction:

Acid is a substance that produces ${\text{H}}^{\text{+}}$ ions when dissolved in water. Acids have a sour taste. Acids are proton donors.

In Bronsted–Lowry theory, acid is defined as a substance that donates a proton. In a solution it breaks to give ${\text{H}}^{\text{+}}$ ions. A solution can be water or made of any other substances. All Bronsted–Lowry acids cannot be Arrhenius acids.

In Arrhenius theory, acid is defined as a substance that produces ${\text{H}}^{\text{+}}$ ions when dissolved in water. In this theory, the solvent is water only. For example, acetic acid and nitric acid. All Arrhenius acids can be Bronsted–Lowry acids.