Question

Why is HCI a stronger acid than acetic acid?

Answer 1

1. The acidic solution that has more ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$concentration at the same standards ( same volume, same temperature and pressure) is a strong acid.
2. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a stronger acid than acetic acid ${\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{COOH}$ because HCl undergoes complete ionization when dissolved in water (formation of ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$and ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{-}$ ions) whereas acetic acid when dissolved in water only 5% of it is dissolved into (${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$and ${\mathrm{CH}}_3{\mathrm{COO}}^{-}$ions)

Therefore, HCl is stronger than acetic acid ( ${\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{COOH}$).