Acids and Bases Classification

Classification of Acids

• Organic Acids: derived from plants, e.g. citric, oxalic, tartaric, acetic acid
• Inorganic Acids: derived from minerals, e.g. HCl, H2SO4, HNO3

Classification of Acids by Molecular Composition

• Hydracids: contain hydrogen and a non-metallic element other than oxygen, e.g. HCl, HBr, HI
• Oxyacids: contain hydrogen, another element, and oxygen, e.g. HNO3, H2SO4

Strength of Acids and Bases

Strength of Acids

• Depends on concentration of hydronium ions (H3O+) in an aqueous solution
• Strong Acid: dissociates almost completely, producing high concentration of hydrogen (H+) ions, e.g. HNO3, H2SO4, HCl
• Weak Acid: dissociates only partially, producing low concentration of hydrogen (H+) ions, e.g. CH3COOH

Strength of Alkalis

• Depends on concentration of hydroxyl ions (OH-) in an aqueous solution
• Strong Alkali: dissociates almost completely, producing high concentration of hydroxyl (OH-) ions, e.g. NaOH, KOH
• Weak Alkali: dissociates only partially, producing low concentration of hydroxyl (OH-) ions, e.g. NH4OH

Concentration of Acids and Bases

Concentrated Acids and Alkalis

• Concentrated Acid: has a relatively high percentage of acid in its aqueous solution
• Concentrated Alkali: has a relatively high percentage of alkali in its aqueous solution

Dilute Acids and Alkalis

• Dilute Acid: has a relatively low percentage of acid in its aqueous solution, concentration less than 1 mol/litre
• Dilute Alkali: has a relatively low percentage of alkali in its aqueous solution, concentration less than 1 mol/litre

Learn about the classification of acids and bases based on their source, molecular composition, and other characteristics. This quiz covers different types of acids and bases, including organic, inorganic, hydracids, and oxyacids.