WEAK ACID Meaning and
Definition
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A weak acid refers to a substance that partially dissociates or ionizes in an aqueous solution, thereby producing a relatively small concentration of hydrogen ions (H+). In other words, it displays a weak tendency to donate protons or hydrogen ions, resulting in a weaker acidic character compared to a strong acid.
Weak acids can be organic or inorganic compounds, but they share common traits. They usually have a low proportion of dissociated molecules, leading to a lower concentration of H+ ions in solution. Consequently, weak acids typically exhibit a milder or less pronounced sour taste in comparison to strong acids.
One notable characteristic of weak acids is their ability to establish an equilibrium between the unionized and ionized forms in an aqueous solution. This equilibrium is represented by the acid dissociation constant (Ka), which quantifies the extent of ionization. Weak acids generally possess a Ka value that is smaller than one, indicating that a significant proportion of the compound remains unionized.
Common examples of weak acids include acetic acid (CH3COOH) found in vinegar, carbonic acid (H2CO3) present in carbonated beverages, and citric acid (C6H8O7) found in fruits like lemons and oranges. These acids exhibit less corrosive properties and are generally safer for human consumption than their strong acid counterparts.
In summary, a weak acid is a substance that only partially ionizes in solution, resulting in a lower concentration of hydrogen ions and a milder acidic nature compared to strong acids.
Common Misspellings for WEAK ACID
- qeak acid
- aeak acid
- seak acid
- eeak acid
- 3eak acid
- 2eak acid
- wwak acid
- wsak acid
- wdak acid
- wrak acid
- w4ak acid
- w3ak acid
- wezk acid
- wesk acid
- wewk acid
- weqk acid
- weaj acid
- weam acid
- weal acid
- weao acid
Etymology of WEAK ACID
The word "weak" in "weak acid" is derived from the Old English word "wǣc", which means "feeble" or "deficient in strength". This word has roots in Old High German and Old Norse as well. The term "acid" originated from the Latin word "acidus", which means "sour".
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