14.5 Strengths of Acids & Bases

• Strong acid – Acid that ionizes 100% in water OR transfers 100% of its acidic hydrogens to water
• HCl(aq) + H2O(l) → H3O+(aq) + Cl-(aq)
• Weak acid – Ionizes or transfers only a small percentage, usually < 5%
• HC2H3O2(aq) + H2O(l) ⇄ H3O+(aq) + C2H3O2-(aq)