Question

What are strong and weak acids? In the following list, separate strong acids from weak acids, Hydrochloric acid, citric acid, acetic acid, nitric acid, formic acid, sulphuric acid.

Answer 1

An acid that dissociates completely into its ions in an aqueous solution is known as a strong acid. E.g., $\text{HCl},{\text{H}}_2{\text{SO}}_4,{\text{HNO}}_3$, etc.

An acid that does not dissociate completely into its ions in an aqueous solution is know as a weak acid. E.g., acetic acid, carbonic acid, etc.

$\begin{array}{cc}\text{Strong acid}& \text{Weak acid}\\ \text{Hydrochloric acid}& \text{Citric acid}\\ \text{Nitric acid}& \text{Acetic acid}\\ \text{Sulphuric acid}& \text{Formic acid}\end{array}$