Strength of Acids and Alkalis
Strength of Acids and Alkalis
Strength of Acids and Alkalis
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.
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
water + – complete
HCl(g) H (aq) + Cl (aq) ionization
molecules
ions
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
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.)
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.
strong acid 強酸
17 4 weak acid 弱酸
17 Strength of acids and alkalis
+ – 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
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).
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.
strong alkali 強鹼
weak alkali 弱鹼
5 17
IV Acids and bases
pH meter pH meter
(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 Figure 17.4 shows that although both hydrochloric acid and ethanoic
+
As pH = –log[H (aq)], acid have the same molar concentration, they have different pH.
the lower the pH of Hydrochloric acid has a lower pH than that of ethanoic acid. This
an aqueous solution, +
+
the higher the H (aq) suggests that hydrochloric acid has a higher concentration of H (aq).
concentration it has.
strength 強度
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)).
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
magnesium ribbon
0 Time of reaction (min)
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
+ –
Class practice 17.2 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.
9 17
IV Acids and bases
Concentration
Concentrated Dilute
A17.3
1. (a) The statement is wrong.
Strong
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
Class practice 17.3
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
2. strong acid 強酸 4
3. strong alkali 強鹼 5
4. weak acid 弱酸 4
5. weak alkali 弱鹼 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
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.
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
ACIDS / ALKALIS
compared by measuring
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?
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.
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