Strong/weak acids & bases

[Fdonovan 3D]

Are we going to have to know whether an acid or base is strong or weak just by its name or chemical formula? If so, how do we do know?

[Brittney Hun 2C]

You would just have to memorize the six strong acids H2SO4 Sulfuric Acid, HCl Hydrochloric Acid, HBr Hydrobromic Acid, HI Hydroiodic Acid, HNO3 Nitric Acid, HClO4 Perchloric Acid. Everything else is considered a weak acid. Strong bases have a group 1 or 2 metal attached to a hydroxide (OH-). Everything else is considered a weak base.

[Justin Seok 2A]

For the most part, in this section, we mostly work with weak acids and such since they are best suited for equilibrium type problems. However, it would probably be good to have a general idea of common strong acids just so you won't get blindsided if they come up on the test. However, it shouldn't be something that is very likely to come up on the test.

[Kristina Rizo 2K]

There is also a chart on page F75 in the seventh edition. It is in Fundamentals J, the table is Table J.1.

[CameronDis2K]

Yes, there's usually a pattern you can follow: anything with an OH- is usually a strong base (ex. KOH), and any compound preceded with an H and from the halogen group is usually a strong acid (HBr, HCl, etc.). But any compound with an NH3 is usually a weak acid, and others you can just memorize, like the weak acetic acid: CH3COOH.

[Manav Govil 1B]

You should be able to tell if something is a weak acid or base, based on if it can accept a proton or not. Also, you should have the strong acids memorized.

[Sanjana Borle 2K]

Strong acids are usually ones that give off protons easily, such as HF or HCl. Strong bases will give off OH- easily, such as NaOH.

[Pablo 1K]

Just focus on recognizing the strong acids and bases and I believe the weak ones will become noticeable easier.

[Catherine Daye 1L]

Yes, the best way is to memorize the strong acids and bases (there aren’t too many). In general, a strong acids start with H and strong bases end with OH. Everything else you can assume is weak

[Mai V 4L]

Does somwone have a chart/graphic they used to help memorize this?

[Julia Holsinger_1A]

How do you figure out the conjugate acid or base for a given base or acid?

[WGaines_2E]

We are usually given weak acids and bases on exams and the dissociation values for those you don't need to remember, they should be given

[Nicholas_Gladkov_2J]

Are we going to have to know whether an acid or base is strong or weak just by its name or chemical formula? If so, how do we do know?

For the final, you should memorize the strong acids and strong bases are there are not that many.
Regarding weak acids and bases, given a scenario, and Ka and/or Kb, you should be able to know its pH, percent ionization, dissociation, etc.

[Jessa Maheras 4F]

Yes, there's usually a pattern you can follow: anything with an OH- is usually a strong base (ex. KOH), and any compound preceded with an H and from the halogen group is usually a strong acid (HBr, HCl, etc.). But any compound with an NH3 is usually a weak acid, and others you can just memorize, like the weak acetic acid: CH3COOH.

These patterns are helpful!! I also find it helpful just to memorize.

[Bryan Chen 1H]

yea memorize them