Strengths of Acids and Bases

Reminder:
- pH is a measurement that is used to rate the strengths of acids and bases, indicating positive hydrogen ions or H+ ions.

Scenario: A swimming pool and spa owners must find out whether the water is too acidic or basic.

​Turn and Talk - Why is it important for these owners to have the proper pH?

​Important vocabulary to know:
Ionization - the process in which some molecules dissolve in water and separate into charged particles.

• Depends on the degree to which acid or base particles form into ions in water

• Strong acids ionize upon dissolving in water.

• In weak acids, a small fraction of ionization occurs in water.

Determining the Strength of an Acid

• Ions in a solution conduct electric currents.

• More ions = More conductivity

• Less ions = Less conductivity

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Effectiveness of acids and bases when conducting electricity.

What do you think is the difference between the terms strength and concentration?

Strength vs. Concentration

Remember: Strength refers to the degree to which an acid or base ions are formed in water.

Concentration - refers to how much acid or base is present in a solution.

Go to Google classroom and complete the strengths of acids and bases reinforcement.

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