Chapter 17

Strength of acids and alkalis

17.1 Meanings of strong and weak acids as well as strong and
weak alkalis
17.2 Methods to compare the strength of acids/alkalis
17.3 Strength and concentration of acids and alkalis — summary

Learning goal
After studying this chapter, you should be able to:

17.1 • relate the strength of acids and alkalis to their extent of ionization or dissociation

17.2 • compare the strength of acids and alkalis by the measurement of pH and electrical conductivities

17.3 • understand that strength and concentration of acids and alkalis are two different concepts

• describe acids and alkalis with the appropriate terms: strong and weak, concentrated and dilute
Chapter 17 Strength of acids and alkalis

Both hydrochloric acid and ethanoic acid can react with magnesium ribbon. However, an experiment,
as shown in the following photos, indicates that when equal masses of magnesium ribbons are used,
1.0 M hydrochloric acid releases more hydrogen gas bubbles than 1.0 M ethanoic acid does.

Reactions of 1.0 M hydrochloric acid (left) and 1.0 M ethanoic acid

(right) with equal masses of magnesium ribbons.

Think about...
What makes the difference in the observations of the reactions?
The difference in concentrations of hydrogen ions in the acids.
Why do hydrochloric acid and ethanoic acid of the same concentration have different behaviours
towards magnesium ribbon? Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid. It ionizes completely in water to give hydrogen ions and
chloride ions. Ethanoic acid is a weak acid. It ionizes only slightly in water to give hydrogen ions
and ethanoate ions. Hence, for the same molarity, hydrochloric acid has a higher concentration
After studying this chapter, you should be able to answer the above questions. of hydrogen ions than ethanoic
acid for the reaction with
magnesium ribbon.
 17 Strength of acids and alkalis

17.1 Meanings of strong and weak acids

PowerPoint as well as strong and weak alkalis
In Chapter 14, we have learnt some examples of acids and alkalis. Acids
and alkalis can be classified into strong and weak ones, depending on
their extent of ionization or dissociation in water.

Defining strong and weak acids

Simulation When hydrogen chloride dissolves in water, it ionizes completely to form
(Strength and
concentration of acids
hydrogen ions and chloride ions. That is, the acid molecules have all
and alkalis) changed into ions (Figure 17.1(a)).

water + – complete
HCl(g) H (aq) + Cl (aq) ionization
molecules
ions

When ethanoic acid dissolves in water, it ionizes very slightly to

form hydrogen ions and ethanoate ions. That is, only a very small
percentage of the acid molecules have changed into ions.
DSE2013(IB)4(b)

water
+ – slight
Learning tip CH3COOH(,) H (aq) + CH3COO (aq)
ionization
In 0.1 M solution of molecules
ions
ethanoic acid, about 13
out of 1000 CH3COOH
molecules ionize to Note that a double arrow ‘ ’ is used in the above equation. This
+
produce H (aq). shows that in the solution, ethanoic acid molecules, hydrogen ions and
ethanoate ions are all present (Figure 17.1(b)).

– –
Cl ion CH3COO ion +
+
H ion
H ion

CH3COOH molecule

(a) Hydrochloric acid (b) Ethanoic acid

Figure 17.1 (a) Hydrochloric acid contains hydrogen ions and chloride ions. (b) Ethanoic acid contains ethanoic acid molecules,
+
hydrogen ions and ethanoate ions. Hydrochloric acid contains more H ions than ethanoic acid of the same molar concentration.
(Water molecules are not shown in the diagrams). (Note: Figure 17.1(b) does not show accurately the relative amounts of the
ionized and unionized form of ethanoic acid.)

dissociation unionized
ionization
3 17
 IV Acids and bases

Think about Hydrochloric acid is an example of a strong acid. Ethanoic acid is an

The pH of 0.1 M
hydrochloric acid and
0.1 M ethanoic acid
are 1.00 and 2.88
respectively. What are
the respective
concentrations of
hydrogen ions in
these acids?
example of a weak acid.
CE2000(I)7(a)(i) AS2006(B)12(a)(i)
Key point
A strong acid is an acid which ionizes completely (or highly) in
water.
A weak acid is an acid which ionizes only slightly in water.

Think about The three common mineral acids (HCl, HNO3, H2SO4) are strong acids.
Sulphuric acid (H2SO4) is
On the contrary, sulphurous acid (H2SO3), carbonic acid (H2CO3),
classified as a strong
–
acid. However, HSO4 (aq) phosphoric acid (H3PO4) and most organic acids such as ethanoic acid
ions are found in its (CH3COOH) and citric acid are weak acids. Some weak acids such as
aqueous solution. Why?
carbonic acid and citric acid are found in food and drinks (Figure 17.2).
Think about
+
pH = –log [H (aq)]
For 0.1 M hydrochloric acid,
+
1.00 = –log [H (aq)]
+
[H (aq)] = 0.1 M
For 0.1 M ethanoic acid,
+
2.88 = –log [H (aq)]
+ –3
[H (aq)] = 1.32 10 M

Think about
Sulphuric acid ionizes in water in two
steps.
+ –
H2SO4(aq) H (aq) + HSO4 (aq)
– + 2–
HSO4 (aq) H (aq) + SO4 (aq)
The second step of the ionization is
–
reversible. Therefore, some HSO4 (aq)
ions are found in the aqueous solution
of sulphuric acid.

Figure 17.2 This bottle of soft drink contains two weak acids: carbonic acid (written as
carbonated water) and citric acid.

Defining strong and weak alkalis

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is an ionic compound. When it dissolves in
water, it dissociates completely into mobile sodium ions and hydroxide
ions (Figure 17.3(a)).
CE2003(II)45
CE2011(II)12
water + – complete
NaOH(s) Na (aq) + OH (aq) dissociation
ions
(not mobile)
mobile ions

strong acid
17 4 weak acid
 17 Strength of acids and alkalis

Ammonia (NH3) is a molecular compound. When it dissolves in water,

it ionizes only very slightly to form ammonium ions and hydroxide ions
(Figure 17.3(b)).

+ – slight
Note 1 NH3(aq) + H2O(,) NH4 (aq) + OH (aq) ionization
N1
Ammonia is very soluble in
molecules
water, but it ionizes only slightly
ions
in water to form hydroxide ions.

+
NH4 ion –
+
Na ion – OH ion
OH ion

NH3 molecule

(a) Sodium hydroxide solution (b) Aqueous ammonia

Figure 17.3 (a) Sodium hydroxide solution contains sodium ions and hydroxide ions. (b) Aqueous ammonia contains
–
ammonia molecules, ammonium ions and hydroxide ions. Sodium hydroxide solution contains more OH ions than
aqueous ammonia of the same molar concentration. (Water molecules are not shown in the diagrams). (Note: Figure
17.3(b) does not show accurately the relative amounts of the ionized and unionized form of ammonia).

Sodium hydroxide is an example of a strong alkali. Ammonia is an

example of a weak alkali.

Key point
A strong alkali is an alkali which dissociates completely in water.
A weak alkali is an alkali which ionizes only slightly in water.

A17.1
(a) Sulphuric acid molecules Name all the particles present in each of the following substances. Underline
(b) Hydrogen ions, nitrate ions, water
the name(s) of the particles in the greatest amount (apart from water
molecules; hydroxide ions
(c) Citric acid molecules, hydrogen molecules).
ions, citrate ions, water molecules;
(a) Pure sulphuric acid
hydroxide ions
(d) Ammonia molecules, ammonium (b) 2.0 M nitric acid
ions, hydroxide ions, water
molecules, hydrogen ions (c) 2.0 M citric acid
(d) 1.0 M aqueous ammonia

strong alkali
weak alkali
5 17
 IV Acids and bases

17.2 Methods to compare the strength of

PowerPoint acids/alkalis
Learning tip There are some methods to compare the strength of acids (or alkalis).
The acids under When we make the comparison, the acids (or alkalis) used should be of
comparison
the same molar concentration.
should also have
the same basicity.
CE2010(I)13
Comparing the strength of acids DSEPP2012(IA)24

By m asuring th pH of th ir aqu ous solutions DSE2012(IA)4

We can compare the strength of 0.1 M hydrochloric acid and 0.1 M

ethanoic acid by measuring their pH using a pH meter (Figure 17.4).

pH meter pH meter

0.1 M hydrochloric acid 0.1 M ethanoic acid

(a) (b)

Figure 17.4 The set-ups for measuring the pH of (a) 0.1 M hydrochloric acid and (b) 0.1 M ethanoic acid using a pH meter. N2
Note 2
Both hydrochloric acid and ethanoic
acid are monobasic acids.

Learning tip
+
As pH = –log[H (aq)],
the lower the pH of
an aqueous solution,
+
the higher the H (aq)
concentration it has.
Figure 17.4 shows that although both hydrochloric acid and ethanoic
acid have the same molar concentration, they have different pH.
Hydrochloric acid has a lower pH than that of ethanoic acid. This
+
suggests that hydrochloric acid has a higher concentration of H (aq).

By m asuring th l ctrical conductivity of th ir aqu ous

solutions
We can also compare the strength of 1.0 M hydrochloric acid and 1.0 M
ethanoic acid by measuring their electrical conductivities (Figure 17.5).

strength
17 6
 17 Strength of acids and alkalis

d. c. source d. c. source

bright dim
1.0 M HCl 1.0 M CH3COOH
light light

(a) (b)
Figure 17.5 The set-ups for comparing the electrical conductivities of (a) 1.0 M hydrochloric acid and (b) 1.0 M ethanoic acid.

In Figure 17.5, the light bulb in the set-up for hydrochloric acid glows
brighter than that for ethanoic acid. Hydrochloric acid has a higher
electrical conductivity than ethanoic acid of the same molar
concentration. This suggests that hydrochloric acid contains a higher
+ –
concentration of mobile ions (H (aq) and Cl (aq)).

Comparing the strength of alkalis

By m asuring th pH of th ir aqu ous solutions
Similarly, we can compare the strength of 0.1 M sodium hydroxide solution
and 0.1 M aqueous ammonia by measuring their pH using a pH meter.

Experimental results show that sodium hydroxide solution has a

higher pH than aqueous ammonia of the same molar concentration.
This suggests that sodium hydroxide solution is more alkaline than
aqueous ammonia.

By m asuring th l ctrical conductivity of th ir aqu ous

solutions
We can also compare the strength of 1.0 M sodium hydroxide solution and
1.0 M aqueous ammonia by measuring their electrical conductivities.

It is found that the light bulb in the set-up for sodium hydroxide
solution glows brighter than that for aqueous ammonia. Sodium
hydroxide solution has a higher electrical conductivity than aqueous
ammonia of the same molar concentration. This suggests that sodium
hydroxide solution contains a higher concentration of mobile ions
+ –
(Na (aq) and OH (aq)).
7 17
 IV Acids and bases

H20 Example 17.1

Comparing the strength of two monobasic acids
An experiment is carried out by reacting equal masses of magnesium ribbon with excess but equal
volumes of two different monobasic acids, HA and HB. The molar concentrations of the two acids are
the same. The set-up shown below is used to collect and measure the volume of gas Y formed with time.
The results are represented graphically as follows. Curves I and II are obtained for the acids HA and HB
respectively.

rubber tubing gas syringe plunger

Volume of gas Y (cm )

3
stopwatch
curve I

gas Y collected curve II

magnesium ribbon
0 Time of reaction (min)

(a) Name gas Y.

(b) Write an ionic equation for the reaction between magnesium and HA.
(c) How do HA and HB differ in the extent of ionization? Hence, determine which one is a stronger
acid.
(d) Why are the final volumes of gas Y collected the same in both experiments?

Solution
Learning tip
(a) Hydrogen In general, the higher the concentration
+ 2+
(b) Mg(s) + 2H (aq) Mg (aq) + H2(g) of reactants, the faster is the reaction.
For the acid HB, the rate of formation of
(c) The extent of ionization of HB is smaller than that of HA. gas Y is lower than that for the acid HA.
Hence, HA is a stronger acid than HB. This is because the extent of ionization
of HB is smaller. The aqueous solution of
(d) Magnesium used is the limiting reagent. As equal masses of +
HB has a lower concentration of H ions
magnesium are used for the two experiments, the final although it has the same concentration
volumes of gas Y collected should be more or less the same. as the aqueous solution of HA.
Try Chapter Exercise Q15

A17.2
(a) Hydroxide ions
+ – CE2009(II)37
(b) NH3(aq) + H2O(,) NH4 (aq) + OH (aq)
(c) The pH value of 0.1 M NaOH(aq) is higher
The pH values and electrical conductivities of 0.1 M NaOH(aq) and 0.1 M
than that of 0.1 M NH3(aq). This suggests that
0.1 M NaOH(aq) has a higher concentration of NH3(aq) are shown below:
hydroxide ions than 0.1 M NH3(aq). NaOH(aq)
is a stronger alkali. 0.1 M NaOH(aq) 0.1 M NH3(aq)
(d) NaOH(aq) is a stronger alkali than NH3(aq).
pH 13.00 11.12
For the same molar concentration of the two
alkalis, the former has a higher concentration Electrical conductivity higher lower
of mobile ions than the latter. Hence, 0.1 M
NaOH(aq) has a higher electrical conductivity (Cont’d)
than 0.1 M NH3(aq).
17 8
 17 Strength of acids and alkalis

(a) What ion in aqueous solution is responsible for the alkaline properties
of the two solutions?
(b) Write an equation for the formation of the ion mentioned in (a) for
aqueous ammonia.
(c) From the pH of the two solutions, determine which solution is a stronger
alkali. Explain your answer.
(d) Explain the difference in electrical conductivity of the two solutions.

Experiment Workbook 2

PowerPoint Experiment Comparing the strength of acids and alkalis

Video In this experiment, you are going to design and carry out appropriate
procedure to compare the strength of hydrochloric acid and ethanoic acid
and the strength of sodium hydroxide solution and aqueous ammonia.

17.3 Strength and concentration of acids

PowerPoint and alkalis — summary
CE2008(II)45 We should not mix up the terms strength (described by the words strong
CE2009(II)36
CE2011(II)29
or weak) and concentration (described by the words concentrated or
DSE2014(IB)5(b) dilute).

• Strength refers to the extent of ionization or dissociation of an acid

or an alkali in water.

• Concentration refers to the amount of solute per unit volume of

the solution.

The following examples illustrate the points.

1 M HCl(aq) is a dilute solution of a strong acid.

12 M HCl(aq) is a concentrated solution of a strong acid.

CE2011(II)49 1 M CH3COOH(aq) is a dilute solution of a weak acid.

12 M CH3COOH(aq) is a concentrated solution of a weak acid.

1 M NaOH(aq) is a dilute solution of a strong alkali.

10 M NH3(aq) is a concentrated solution of a weak alkali.

9 17
 IV Acids and bases

In conclusion, an aqueous solution of a strong acid or a strong alkali

can be concentrated or dilute; while an aqueous solution of a weak acid
or a weak alkali can also be concentrated or dilute. Figure 17.6 shows the
differences between the strength and concentration of acids. This is also
true for alkalis.

Concentration

Concentrated Dilute

A17.3
1. (a) The statement is wrong.
Strong

Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid

which can ionize completely in
water. It has a high pH (5)
because it is a very dilute solution.
(It should be noted that pH is a
+
measure of [H (aq)] but not a
Strength

measure of strength of acids or

alkalis.)
(b) The statement is wrong. Ethanoic
acid is a weak acid whatever its
concentration is.
2. (a) Dip the pH electrode separately
into the three acids. Then, read
the pH value shown on the
Weak

display of the pH meter.

Unionized form of
monobasic acid

Ionized form of
monobasic acid

Figure 17.6 A diagram showing the difference between the strength and concentration of
(b) Order of pH of the three acids:
2.0 M ethanoic acid, 2.0 M acids (using a monobasic acid as the example).
hydrochloric acid, 2.0 M sulphuric (Note: water molecules are not shown in the diagrams.)
acid
Ethanoic acid ionizes only slightly
in water to give hydrogen ions,
while both hydrochloric acid and
sulphuric acid ionize more
completely in water to give 1. Comment on the following statements:
hydrogen ions. In addition, each
(a) A hydrochloric acid with pH 5 is a weak acid.
sulphuric acid molecule can give
two hydrogen ions in water, while (b) 12 M ethanoic acid (CH3COOH) is a strong acid.
each hydrochloric acid molecule
can give only one hydrogen ion.
2. You are given three bottles of acids: 2.0 M hydrochloric acid, 2.0 M
Hence, 2.0 M sulphuric acid ethanoic acid and 2.0 M sulphuric acid.
contains the highest concentration
of hydrogen ions while 2.0 M
(a) Describe how you can measure the pH of the three acids accurately.
ethanoic acid contains the lowest. (b) Arrange the three acids in decreasing order of pH. Explain your
answer.

17 10
 17 Strength of acids and alkalis

Key terms
PowerPoint

English term Chinese translation Page

1. strength 6

2. strong acid 4

3. strong alkali 5

4. weak acid 4

5. weak alkali 5

Progress check
PowerPoint

Can you answer the following questions? Put a ‘✓’ in the box if you can. Otherwise, review the relevant
part on the page as shown.

Page
1. How do we define strong and weak acids? 4

2. Can you suggest some examples of strong and weak acids? 4

3. How do we define strong and weak alkalis? 5

4. Can you suggest some examples of strong and weak alkalis? 5

5. What methods can be used to compare the strength of acids and alkalis? 6–7

11 17
 IV Acids and bases

Summary
PowerPoint

17.1 Meanings of strong and weak acids as well as strong and weak alkalis

1. A strong acid is an acid which ionizes completely (or highly) in water. Examples include
hydrochloric acid, nitric acid and sulphuric acid.
A weak acid is an acid which ionizes only slightly in water. An example is ethanoic acid.

2. A strong alkali is an alkali which dissociates completely in water. Examples include potassium
hydroxide and sodium hydroxide.
A weak alkali is an alkali which ionizes only slightly in water. An example is ammonia.

17.2 Methods to compare the strength of acids/alkalis

3. Strength of acids and alkalis can be compared by measuring

(a) the pH, and
(b) electrical conductivity
of their aqueous solutions of the same molarity.

17.3 Strength and concentration of acids and alkalis — summary

4. The strength of acids or alkalis refers to the extent of ionization or dissociation of an acid or
alkali in water.

5. The concentration of acids or alkalis refers to the amount of solute per unit volume of the
solution.

6. There is no relationship between the strength of an acid or alkali and its concentration.
A strong acid or alkali can be either concentrated or dilute. A weak acid or alkali can also be either
concentrated or dilute.

17 12
 17 Strength of acids and alkalis

Concept map
PowerPoint

Complete the following concept map.

ACIDS / ALKALIS

Strength of acids/alkalis Concentration of acids/alkalis

Dilute acids/alkalis Concentrated acids/alkalis

completely (or highly) ionize/ slightly ionize

dissociate in water in water

Strong acids/alkalis Weak acids/alkalis

(e.g. HCl/KOH) (e.g. CH3COOH/NH3)

compared by measuring

pH values Electrical conductivities

of solutions with the of solutions with the

same concentration same concentration

(Hints: concentration, electrical conductivities, pH values, slightly, strength, strong, weak)

13 17
 IV Acids and bases

Chapter exercise
Fill in the blanks 6. Which of the following statements concerning
dilute ethanoic acid is/are correct?
Section 17.1
(1) It is a polybasic acid.
1. (a) A strong acid is an acid which ionizes (2) It contains ethanoic acid molecules and
completely highly
(or ) in water. ethanoate ions.
hydrochloric acid
An example is . (3) It does not react with aqueous ammonia.
A. (1) only 6. (1): ethanoic acid is a monobasic
(b) A weak acid is an acid which ionizes
acid.
slightly in water. An example is B. (2) only (3): ethanoic acid reacts with
ethanoic C. (1) and (3) only
acid. aqueous ammonia to give salt
B
D. (2) and (3) only (CH3COONH4).
2. (a) A strong alkali is an alkali which dissociates
completely
in water. An example is 7. Which of the following diagrams represents the
sodium hydroxide
. strongest acid dissolved in water?

(b) A weak alkali is an alkali which ionizes A. B.

slightly
in water. An example is
ammonia
.

Section 17.2
3. For the same molar concentration, C. D.
(a) the electrical conductivity of a strong acid/
higher
alkali is than that of a weak
acid/alkali; C

lower +
(b) the pH of a strong acid is ( represents H , represents the anion of the
than that of a weak acid; acid after ionization; water molecules are not
higher shown.) 7. In diagram C, acid ionizes completely
(c) the pH of a strong alkali is in water to give hydrogen ions and the
than that of a weak alkali. Section 17.2 corresponding anions.

8. Which of the following combinations about

Multiple-choice questions NaOH(aq) and NH3(aq) of the same molarity is
4. A strong acid is an acid which ionizes INCORRECT?
Section 17.1 completely (or highly) in water.
NaOH(aq) NH3(aq)
4. Hydrochloric acid is described as a strong acid
because it A. Dissociates Ionizes
completely in water slightly in water
A. reacts with strong alkali only.
B. is corrosive. B. Has a higher Has a lower
C. can dissolve in water completely. concentration of concentration of
– –
D OH (aq) OH (aq)
D. ionizes completely in water.
C. Forms precipitate Does not form
5. Which of the following particles is in the smallest
with Mg(NO3)2(aq) precipitate with
amount in 0.1 M ethanoic acid?
Mg(NO3)2(aq)
A. CH3COOH 5. Ethanoic acid ionizes only
+ slightly in water to give
D. Has a higher Has a lower
B. H
– hydrogen ions and ethanoate electrical electrical
C. OH
–
ions. In addition, ethanoic acid
C conductivity conductivity
D. CH3COO is acidic. It contains more C
8. Both NaOH(aq) and NH3(aq) form a white
hydrogen ions than hydroxide
precipitate when they react with Mg(NO3)2(aq).
ions.

17 14
 17 Strength of acids and alkalis

9. Which of the following statements concerning 10. Which of the following solutions reacts with
equal volumes of 0.5 M KOH(aq) and 0.5 M calcium granules fastest initially?
NH3(aq) is/are correct? A. 0.1 M nitric acid
(1) They give the same colour when litmus B. 0.1 M sulphurous acid
solution is added. C. 0.1 M phosphoric acid
A
(2) They give the same colour when universal D. 0.1 M citric acid
indicator is added.
Assertion-reason question
(3) They form the same precipitate when added
to Fe2(SO4)3(aq). 9. (1): the respective pH of 0.5 M (See the back insider cover for instructions.)
NaOH(aq) and 0.5 M NH3 are 12.7
A. (1) only and 11.5, and litmus solution gives 1st statement 2nd statement
B. (2) only a blue colour at the pH of solution 11. Copper has no reaction Dilute ethanoic acid is
C. (1) and (3) only above 8.
with dilute ethanoic a weak acid.
(2): 0.5 M KOH(aq) has a C
D. (2) and (3) only acid.
higher pH than 0.5 M
B
NH3(aq). Hence, the colours of
universal indicator are different in 10. Among the four acids, only nitric acid is the strong acid. Nitric
these two alkalis. acid ionizes completely in water to give hydrogen ions for the
Structured questions (3): both KOH(aq) and NH3(aq) reaction. Sulphurous acid, phosphoric acid and citric acid are
form a reddish brown precipitate weak acids. A longer time is needed for them to ionize in water
Section 17.2 with Fe2(SO4)3(aq). to give enough hydrogen ions for the reaction.
12. (a) What is the molar concentration of hydrogen ions in 0.1 M HCl(aq)? Explain your answer.
12. (a) HCl(aq) is a strong acid. 0.1 M HCl(aq) will ionize completely in water to
(b) Calculate the pH of 0.1 M HCl(aq). +
give 0.1 M of H (aq).
(c) Explain the fact that the pH of 0.1 M CH3COOH(aq) is NOT the same as that of 0.1 M HCl(aq).

13. Consider the following two bottles of acids. 13. (a) Ethanoic acid is a weak acid, while
+ hydrochloric acid is a strong acid.
12. (b) pH = –log [H (aq)]
(b) A strong acid is one which ionizes
= –log 0.1
completely in water. A weak acid is one
=1
which ionizes only slightly in water.
(c) CH3COOH(aq) is a weak acid. It
(c) Since hydrochloric acid is a stronger acid
ionizes only slightly in water to give
+ than ethanoic acid, it ionizes more
a small amount of H (aq) ions. 0.1 M
+ completely than ethanoic acid. For the
CH3COOH(aq) gives H (aq) ions 1.1 M
1.1 M same molar concentration of the two
with concentration lower than 0.1 M. Hydrochloric
Ethanoic acid acids, hydrochloric acid has a higher
Hence, the pH of 0.1 M CH3COOH(aq) acid
molar concentration of hydrogen ions.
is not 1 but higher than 1.
Thus, it has a lower pH.
(d) Using a pH meter.
(a) Classify the two acids as strong or weak acid.
(b) What is the difference between a strong acid and a weak acid?
(c) Which of the two acids has a lower pH? Explain your answer.
(d) Suggest a method to measure the pH of the two acids accurately in the laboratory.

14. A student tried to compare the strengths of three monobasic acids of the same molarity, X, Y and Z by
measuring the pH of their aqueous solutions. It was known that only acid Y was a strong acid. The results
were tabulated. +
14. (a) pH = –log [H (aq)]
+
2.0 = –log [H (aq)]
Acid pH +
[H (aq)] = 0.01
X 4.0  the molarity of acid Y is 0.01 M.
(b) X and Z have the same molarity and
Y 2.0 basicity but X has a lower pH value
than Z. This suggests that X ionizes in
Z 5.0
water more completely than Z and
hence contains a higher concentration
(a) Calculate the molarity of acid Y. of hydrogen ions. Therefore, X is a
stronger acid than Z.
(b) Compare the strengths of X and Z. Explain your answer.

15 17
29
 IV Acids and bases

15. The strength of acids can be determined by adding lumps of magnesium carbonate to the acids.
(a) Write an ionic equation for the reaction between acid and magnesium carbonate.
* (b) Outline an experiment to determine the strengths of 0.1 M sulphuric acid and 0.1 M sulphurous acid
using lumps of magnesium carbonate.
(c) State and explain the expected experimental results in (b).
+ 2+
15. (a) MgCO3(s) + 2H (aq) Mg (aq) + CO2(g) + H2O(,)
(b) Add equal masses of lumps of magnesium carbonate separately to excess but equal volumes of 0.1 M sulphuric acid and 0.1 M
sulphurous acid. Compare the rate of evolution of colourless gas bubbles (carbon dioxide). The one that gives out colourless gas
bubbles more quickly is the stronger acid.
(c) Sulphuric acid is a stronger acid than sulphurous acid. Hence, for the same molar concentration of acids, sulphuric acid contains more
hydrogen ions for the reaction with magnesium carbonate. It reacts with magnesium carbonate more quickly to give carbon dioxide. As
a result, 0.1 M sulphuric acid gives out colourless gas bubbles more quickly than 0.1 M sulphurous acid.

17 16