Difference Between Strong and Weak Acids and Bases

Posted on April 23, 2012 by Dunee

Strong vs Weak Acids vs Bases

Acids are defined in several ways by various scientists. Arrhenius defines an acid as a
substance that donates H3O+ ions in the solution, whereas base is a substance that
donates OH- ions to the solution. Bronsted- Lowry defines an acid as a substance that
can donate a proton and a base as a substance that can accept a proton. Lewis acid
definition is far common than the above two. According to it, any electron pair acceptor
is an acid and a donator is a base. According to the Arrhenius definition, a compound
should have a hydroxide anion and the ability to donate it as a hydroxide ion to be a
base. According to Lewis and Bronsted- Lowry, there can be molecules, which dont
possess hydroxides, but can act as a base. For example, NH 3 is a Lewis base, because
it can donate the electron pair on nitrogen. Na 2CO3 is a Bronsted- Lowry base without
hydroxide groups, but has the ability to accept hydrogens.

Strong and Weak Acids

Regardless of the above definitions, we normally identify an acid as a proton donor.

Acids have a sour taste. Lime juice and vinegar are two acids we come across at our
homes. They react with bases producing water and react with metals forming H 2, thus
increase metal corrosion rate. Acids can be categorized into two, based on their ability
to dissociate and produce protons. Strong acids like HCl, HNO 3 are completely ionized
in a solution, to give protons. Weak acids like CH 3COOH are partially dissociates and
give fewer amounts of protons.

Ka is the acid dissociation constant. It gives an indication of the ability to lose a proton of
a weak acid. To check whether a substance is an acid or not we can use several
indicators like litmus paper or pH paper. In the pH scale, from 1-6 acids are
represented. An acid with pH 1 is said to be very strong, and as the pH value increases,
acidity is decreased.

Strong and Weak Bases

Bases have a slippery soap like feeling and a bitter taste. They react easily with acids
producing water and salt molecules. Caustic soda, ammonia, and baking soda are
some of the common bases we come across very often. Bases can be categorized into
two, based on their ability to dissociate and produce hydroxide ions. Strong bases like
NaOH and KOH are completely ionized in a solution, to give ions. Weak bases like NH 3
are partially dissociated and give fewer amounts of hydroxide ions.
Kb is the base dissociation constant. It gives an indication of the ability to lose hydroxide
ions of a weak base. Acids with a higher pK a value (more than 13) are weak acids, but
their conjugate bases are considered as strong bases. To check whether a substance is
a base or not we can use several indicators like litmus paper or pH paper. Bases show
a pH value higher than 7, and it turns red litmus to blue.

What is the difference between Strong and Weak Acids and Bases?

Acids have pH values from 1 to 7. Stronger acids are close to 1, and weak acids are

close to 7. Bases have pH values from 7 to 14. The strong bases are closer to 14, and

weak bases are closer to 7.

Strong acids and strong bases react completely to produce salt and water.

Weak acids and weak bases do not react completely as they are not completely

dissociating.