Characteristic Properties of Acids & Bases

Acids

Acids are defined by the Brønsted-Lowry Theory as proton (H+ ion) donors. When dissolved in water, acids dissociate and produce protons.

The relative strength of an acid is found by comparing how many molecules of that acid dissociate (ionise) when it is dissolved in water.

In a strong acid (ie HCl), all the hydrogen chloride molecules break up to form protons and chloride ions. 

A weak acid (CH3COOH) produces fewer protons when dissolved in water in comparison to a strong acid of the same concentration (partial dissociation).

A stronger acid is a better conductor of electricity and reacts faster with metals, bases and metal carbonates due to an abundance of ions.

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