Conceptual Textbook Question: Fundamentals J [ENDORSED]

[Sofia Lucido 3L]

At the bottom of page F76 in the textbook it says:

"When the net ionic equation is written for the neutralization of a weak acid or a weak base, the formula for the molecular form of the weak acid or base is used, because intact acid molecules are the dominant species in solution."

I was wondering if someone could explain what it means by "the molecular form" of the weak acid/base?

Thank you!

[Chem_Mod]

I will do more of this in Chem 14B when we calculate the pH involving weak acids and bases.

The molecular form is the neutral state.
For example, CH₃COOH

[Rohit Srinivas 2D]

I believe that this is referencing the fact that strong acid and bases in water would dissolve, hence would not be written in molecular form but as ions. Weak acids and bases are only dissolving at a low rate which is why their molecular formula is utilized.