Chapter 19.3, Problem 27LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Whether an acid or base is strong or weak is to be determined.

Concept introduction: According to Bronsted-Lowry’s definition an acid is a substance that donates a proton $H^{+}$ and a base is a substance that accepts a proton. The strength of bases and acids is measured on the pH scale.

Answer to Problem 27LC

The main factor is the degree to which acids or bases ionize in water.

Explanation of Solution

The degree of dissociation or degree of ionization is the ratio of the number of dissociated ions or molecules formed to the total number of molecules. The degree of dissociation or ionization is the main factor that determines whether an acid or base is strong or weak in nature.

Strong acid	Strong acids completely ionized or dissociated in an aqueous solution
Weak acid	Weak acids slightly ionize in an aqueous solution.
Strong base	Strong bases are completely ionized or dissociated into metal ions and hydroxide ions in an aqueous solution.
Weak base	Weak bases slightly ionize or dissociate in an aqueous solution.