Chapter 19, Problem 80A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : The possibility of a concentrated weak acid is to be explained.

Concept Introduction : Acids are substances that contain hydrogen and ionize to produce hydrogen ions $\left({\text{H}}^{\text{+}}\right)$ in an aqueous solution.

Answer to Problem 80A

It is possible to have a concentrated weak acid because the concentration deals with molarity and acid strength deal with ionization.

Explanation of Solution

Weak acids have a high concentration of undissociated species in the solution since they don't entirely dissociate. Following the equation below, a monoprotic acid will dissociate.

  $\text{HA}\left(aq\right)\rightleftharpoons {\text{H}}^{+}\left(aq\right)+{\text{A}}^{-}\left(aq\right)$

A concentrated acid solution has a very high acid percentage.

A concentrated solution implies a high degree of purity rather than a high degree of dissociation.

It is possible to have a concentrated weak acid because strength is based on ionization, whereas concentration is dependent on molarity.