Question

What are strong and weak acids? In the following list of acids, separate strong acids from weak acids.

Hydrochloric acid, citric acid, acetic acid, nitric acid, formic acid, sulphuric acid.

Answer 1

For the definitions of strong and weak acids and bases,
An acid may be defined as a substance which releases one or more H⁺ ions in aqueous solution. These ions exist as hydronium (H₂O⁺) ions.

A base may be defined as a substance capable of releasing one or more OH^– ions in aqueous solution.

In general, mineral acids are strong acids while organic acids are weak. From the available list :

Strong acids : Hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sulphuric acid.

Weak acids : Citric acid, acetic acid, formic acid.