State whether each of the following statements is true or false. Justify your answer in each case. (b) HF is a strong acid.

Key Concepts

Acid Strength

Acid strength refers to the ability of an acid to donate protons (H+) in a solution. Strong acids completely dissociate in water, releasing all their protons, while weak acids only partially dissociate. Understanding the distinction between strong and weak acids is crucial for evaluating statements about their properties.

HF as a Weak Acid

Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is classified as a weak acid because it does not fully dissociate in water. Although it can donate protons, its dissociation is limited, resulting in a lower concentration of H+ ions compared to strong acids. This characteristic is essential for determining the truth of the statement regarding HF's acidity.

Dissociation Constant (Ka)

The dissociation constant (Ka) quantifies the strength of an acid in solution. A higher Ka value indicates a stronger acid, while a lower Ka value suggests a weaker acid. For HF, the Ka is relatively low, reinforcing its classification as a weak acid and supporting the conclusion that the statement about it being a strong acid is false.