Question

How is a strong acid different from a weak acid?

Answer 1

Acid strength is differentiated by the position of the equilibrium........

Explanation:

For the general acid, `HX`, in water, we write the equilibrium in the following way:

`HX(aq) +H_2O(l) rightleftharpoons H_3O^(+) + X^-`

For strong acids, `HX(X!=F), H_2SO_4, HNO_3,HClO_4` this equilibrium lies strongly towards the right, and their solutions are stoichiometric in `H_3O^+`. For weaker acids, `HF, HOAc, NH_4^+`, the equilibrium lies towards the left.