Question

Why is Ethanoic acid considered as weak acid?

Answer 1

• The common name of Ethanoic acid is Acetic acid.
• At normal temperature it is a colourless liquid.
• Ethanoic acid is a carboxylic acid having molecular formula${\mathbf{CH}}_{\mathbf{3}}\mathbf{COOH}$.
• In an aqueous solution, Ethanoic acid partially ionizes to produce Hydronium ion $\left(H_3{O}^{+}\right)$ and Ethanoate $$\begin{gathered} {\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{COOH}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)+{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)\rightleftharpoons {\mathrm{CH}}_3{\mathrm{COO}}^{-}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)+{\mathrm{H}}_3{\mathrm{O}}^{+}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right) \\ \mathrm{Ethanoic}\mathrm{acid}\mathrm{Ethanoate}\mathrm{ion}\mathrm{Hydronium}\mathrm{ion} \end{gathered}$$
• As the Ethanoic acid does not dissociate completely in an aqueous solution it is considered a weak acid.