We all have had some direct experience with these compounds called acids and bases. That experience may range from taking antacids to combat heartburn to using strong bases to unclog stubborn clogged drains to the pleasure of eating a salad with oil and vinegar dressing or enjoying the acidic bite of carbonated beverages. In order to begin to understand the chemistry of acids and bases, we must learn more about the chemical composition and behavior that allow us to classify these compounds and allow us to understand the subtle differences which make one acid or base different from another.
The equation below represents the dissociation of acetic acid (CH3COOH) in water. Vinegar is a solution of acetic acid in water. In the equation, the double arrow implies that not all the acetic acid molecules dissociate when put into aqueous solution. We categorize acids that have this behavior as weak acids. Acetic acid is a weak acid.
This equation (below) represents the dissociation of hydrochloric acid (HCl) in water or aqueous solution. The single rightward facing arrow implies that all the HCl molecules become dissociated when placed in aqueous solution. Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid because it is a strong electrolyte.
We apply this categorization method to bases as well. The terms strong and weak, when applied to acids and bases, refer only to the extent of dissociation undergone by the acid or base when it is dissolved in water.
Strong acids and bases dissociate completely.
Weak acids and bases dissociate very little.
This webapp is designed to help you recognize the common strong acids and bases. This is an important first step in learning about the chemistry of acids and bases. Once you have learned the common strong acids and bases, test your learning using the exercises and game provided.
The terms strong and weak, when applied to acids, refer only to the extent of dissociation undergone by the acid when it is dissolved in water.
Perchloric acid - HClO4
Hydrochloric acid - HCl
Hydrobromic acid - HBr
Hydriodic acid - HI
Nitric acid - HNO3
Sulfuric acid - H2SO4, first hydrogen only
People often confuse both the adjectives "strong" and "weak", which describe the extend of the chemical dissociation, with the adjectives "concentrated" and "dilute", which describe how much acid has been added to a given volume of water.
Strong acids dissociate completely (large Ka).
Weak acids dissociate very little (small Ka).
The terms strong and weak, when applied to bases, refer only to the extent of dissociation undergone by the base when it is dissolved in water.
Sodium hydroxide - NaOH
Potassium hydroxide - KOH
Lithium hydroxide - Li(OH)
Barium hydroxide - Ba(OH)2
Calcium hydroxide - Ca(OH)2
Strontium hydroxide - Sr(OH)2
Sodium amide - NaNH2
People often confuse both the adjectives "strong" and "weak", which describe the extend of the chemical dissociation, with the adjectives "concentrated" and "dilute", which describe how much base has been added to a given volume of water.
Strong bases dissociate completely (large Kb).
Weak bases dissociate very little (small Kb).
This is a short game to help you learn to quickly recognize strong acids and strong bases. In each level, click on (or touch) those molecules that represent either a strong acid or a strong base. If you choose a weak acid (or weak base), the game is over. Enjoy!
(Note: If the game does not load, use the refresh button to load it properly.)