Weak Acids

Definition

Weak acids only partially ionize when dissolved in water. They produce fewer hydrogen ions than strong acids under identical conditions.

Related terms

Equilibrium:

A state in which both reactants and products are present in concentrations that have no further tendency to change with time. Weak acids establish an equilibrium when they ionize.

Ka (Acid Dissociation Constant): A measure of the strength of an acid in solution. It represents the equilibrium between the acid and its ions.

Conjugate Base:

The species created after the acid has donated its proton. For weak acids, this is part of the equilibrium mixture.