Classification of Acids and Base

CLASSIFICATION OF ACID

Acids are broadly classified into two types: Organic acids and mineral acids.

1. Organic Acids: Acids found in plants and animals are called organic acids.
Example: Citric acid, Lactic acid, Acetic acid, Oxalic acid, etc.

2. Mineral Acids: Acids prepared from the minerals of the earth are called
mineral acids. They are human-made and are also called laboratory acids.
Example: Sulphuric acid, Hydrochloric acid, Nitric acid, etc.

Based on strength, acids are classified into strong acids and weak acids.

1. Acids that undergo ionization completely in an aqueous solution are called

strong acids.
For example, hydrochloric acid  (HCl), nitric acid (HNO3), and
sulphuric acid (H2SO4).
2. Acids that undergo ionization to a small extent only are called weak acids.
For example, carbonic acid (H2CO3) and acetic acid (CH3COOH)

Based on their concentration, acids are classified into concentrated and dilute
acids.

Concentrated Acids
Those acids with the maximum amount of acid dissolved in a very less amount of
water is called concentrated acids.  Generally, acids supplied commercially are
concentrated acids.
For example, hydrochloric acid and sulphuric acid are supplied as
concentrated acids.
 Dilute Acids
Those acids with a relatively lesser amount of acid dissolved in a large amount of
water are called dilute acids. A dilute solution contains less solute in comparison
to a concentrated solution.

CLASSIFICATION OF BASE
 Bases that are soluble in water are called alkalis.
For example, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calcium
hydroxide is soluble in water. Therefore, they are alkalis. But bases like
copper hydroxide, ferric hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide do not dissolve in
water. They are, therefore, not alkalis. Hence,  all alkalis are bases, but all
bases are not alkalis.

Based on strength, Base are classified into strong acids and weak acids.

1. A base that completely ionizes in water and thus produces many hydroxide
ions is called a strong base.
Examples: Sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide.

2. A weak base produces a low concentration of hydroxyl ions in an aqueous

solution. Examples: Ammonium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide.