Question

Acetic acid is a weak acid and ammonia is a weak base. Discuss the term weak.

Answer 1

The strength of acids and bases depends on the number of H⁺ ions and OH^- ions produced. 

i. Acids that give rise to more H⁺ ions are said to be strong acids and acids that give less H⁺ ions are said to be weak acids.

ii. Bases that give rise to more OH^- ions are said to be strong bases and bases that give less OH^- ions are said to be weak bases.