The Acidic Environment > 3. Acids >
Compare the relative strengths of equal concentrations of citric, acetic and hydrochloric acids and explain in terms of the degree of ionisation of their molecules
- For weak acids, HA is defined as stronger than HB if:
- The relative strengths of hydrochloric, citric and acetic acids are as follows:
- Hydrochloric acid is strong.
- Citric acid is weak.
- Acetic acid is weaker.
- The degree of ionisation of hydrochloric, citric and acetic acids are as follows:
- Hydrochloric acid is 100% ionised in solution.
- Citric acid is 8.6% ionised in solution.
- Acetic acid is 1.3% ionised in solution.