Classify each acid as strong or weak. If the acid is weak, write an expression for the acid ionization constant (K_a). b. HCl

Key Concepts

Strong vs. Weak Acids

Strong acids completely dissociate in water, releasing all their protons (H+), while weak acids only partially dissociate. This distinction is crucial for understanding acid behavior in solution and predicting the extent of ionization.

Acid Ionization Constant (Ka)

The acid ionization constant (Ka) quantifies the strength of a weak acid by measuring the equilibrium concentration of its ions in solution. It is defined by the expression Ka = [H+][A-]/[HA], where [H+] is the concentration of hydrogen ions, [A-] is the concentration of the conjugate base, and [HA] is the concentration of the undissociated acid.

Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)

Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is classified as a strong acid because it completely dissociates in aqueous solution. This means that when HCl is dissolved in water, it releases all of its hydrogen ions, resulting in a high concentration of H+ ions and a low pH.