Yahoo Answers is shutting down on May 4th, 2021 (Eastern Time) and the Yahoo Answers website is now in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.
Trending News
Understanding the difference between weak acids and weak bases?
I understand that strong acids and strong bases dissociate completely, and that's what separates them from weak acids and weak bases, I just don't understand how to actually tell the difference at first glance.
I know there are small lists of strong acids (such as HCl, H2SO4, HI) and strong bases (such as NaOH, KOH, LiOH) but when it comes to compounds such as
C3H6O, HClO4, C5H5N, etc. I don't understand! I know they're all weak, I just can't grasp how they're acids or bases. I try and go off of H+ and OH- but it doesn't seem to work.
I've looked up YouTube videos and such as well, but it just doesn't make sense to me! If anyone can explain, it would be greatly appreciated!
(to Al) If they're written in a way where it doesn't show you if they're acids or bases then how are you supposed to tell without solving for pH and whatnot? That's what I'm struggling with.
1 Answer
- ?Lv 78 years agoFavorite Answer
Well, if you understand that strong bases and strong acids DISSOCIATE COMPLETELY, wouldn't it follow that a weak acid or weak base DOES NOT dissociate completely?
Take acetic acid. It only dissociates by about 5%
The way these compounds are written C3H6O, HClO4, C5H5N doesn't show you if they are acids or bases except for the HClO4 which is one of the strongest acids known.