Chapter 8.2, Problem 2RQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation :

The meaning of the term strong acid and strong base must be explained.

Concept Introduction :

A strong acid is a proton donor which dissociates almost completely in an aqueous solution.

A strong base a hydroxyl ion donor that dissociates completely in an aqueous solution.

Answer to Problem 2RQ

A strong acid can be defined as a proton donor species which dissociates almost completely to produce proton and other ions. One strong acid is nitric acid (HNO₃).

A strong base can be defined as a hydroxide donor which dissociates almost completely in an aqueous solution. One strong base is potassium hydroxide (KOH).

Explanation of Solution

  ${\text{HNO}}_{\text{3}}\text{(aq)}\to {\text{H}}^{\text{+}}{\text{(aq)+NO}}_{\text{3}}{}^{\text{-}}\text{(aq)}$ .

From the above equation, it can be seen that HNO₃ is completely dissociated to produce ${\text{H}}^{+}$ and ${\text{NO}}_3{}^{-}$ ions.

  $\text{KOH(aq)}\to {\text{K}}^{\text{+}}{\text{(aq)+OH}}^{\text{-}}\text{(aq)}$ .

Similarly,the KOH solution produces ${\text{K}}^{+}$ and ${\text{OH}}^{-}$ ions.

As these are strong electrolytes, so there is complete dissociation. No undissociated molecule can be seen.