What characterizes an acid as strong?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the characteristics that define a strong acid, particularly focusing on the extent of ionization and the factors influencing it, such as bond strength and molecular structure. Participants explore theoretical aspects of acid dissociation and its implications in chemistry.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether the extent of ionization is the sole criterion for categorizing acids as strong or weak.
  • One participant suggests that bond strength may play a significant role in the extent of ionization, although they express uncertainty about this claim.
  • A participant mentions the influence of hydrogen bonding on pH, raising a related but distinct point.
  • Another participant explains that the regularity of an acid molecule's ability to dissociate into oxonium ions varies significantly between different acids, using HF and HCl as examples.
  • There is a reiteration of the question regarding the differing dissociation levels of HCl and HF, with a participant asserting that the strength of the H-F bond compared to the H-Cl bond is a key factor.
  • One participant notes that temperature can affect the dissociation of acids, suggesting that water's ability to separate acid molecules is limited.
  • A participant acknowledges that their question was answered regarding the extent of ionization but then shifts to request a list of strong and weak acids and bases along with their respective ionization percentages.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the factors that characterize strong acids, with no consensus reached on a definitive explanation for the extent of ionization among various acids.

Contextual Notes

Some claims depend on the definitions of terms like "strong" and "weak" acids, and the discussion does not resolve the complexities of bond strength and molecular behavior in different conditions.

Xishan
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I've posted this question in another thread... didn't get the answer though

Why does a strong acid (or a base) ionizes to a higher extent? Is this extent of ionization the only criteria for characterizing an acid (or a base) as strong or weak. Is it the simple bond polarization phenomenon that causes the ionization?
 
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i'm not a tutor but i would guess its due to bond strength. probably wrong tho
 
Does hydrogen bonding have some effect on pH?
 
Its due to the 'regularity' of the acid molecule to dissociate into Oxonium ions. For example, Hydrogen fluride has only something like 10% - 20% of its molecules dissociating into oxonium ions, while a 'strong' acid such as hydrochloric acid will have 90 - 100% dissocition of its molecules into oxonium ions.
 
So, my question stands unanswered! Why does HCl dissociate to such a high extent and while HF to only a little extent?
 
Xishan said:
So, my question stands unanswered! Why does HCl dissociate to such a high extent and while HF to only a little extent?

Its because the H-F Bond is much stronger than the H-Cl bond.

Note: you asked why strong acids IONIZE to a higher extent, and technically, this has been answered.
 
It is due primarily to bond strength, and temp...water only has the ability to pull apart some acids, that is one reason why 'sensitive' reactions take place @ lower temps. The acids dissassociate less because the water only has a certain amount of strength to rip them apart in the first place.
 
Bladibla said:
Its due to the 'regularity' of the acid molecule to dissociate into Oxonium ions. For example, Hydrogen fluride has only something like 10% - 20% of its molecules dissociating into oxonium ions, while a 'strong' acid such as hydrochloric acid will have 90 - 100% dissocition of its molecules into oxonium ions.

Hmmm... OK! I admit, Bladibla, you are right. You've answered my question. I actually overlooked the first sentence of your reply. Thanks!

Can someone please name around ten strong acids, strong bases, weak acids and weak bases and give their respective %ionization?
 
I got it myself, not TEN though!

http://www.dbhs.wvusd.k12.ca.us/webdocs/AcidBase/Strong-Weak-AcidBase.html
http://www.members.aol.com/profchm/tcjc_ch15.html

I'll be back with more questions in future. Inshallah
 
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