Strong vs Weak Acids — Strength Comparator

Explore the difference between strong and weak acids through ionisation, graphs, and pH calculation

Key Difference: Degree of Ionisation

Strong acids ionise ~100% in water  |  Weak acids ionise <5% in water

Strong Acids (~100% ionised)

HCl — hydrochloric acid ~100%
HNO₃ — nitric acid ~100%
H₂SO₄ — sulfuric acid (1st proton) ~100%
[H⁺] = C (full ionisation)

Weak Acids (<5% ionised)

CH₃COOH — ethanoic acid ~1.3%
Citric acid ~8%
H₂CO₃ — carbonic acid ~0.2%
Ka = [H⁺][A⁻]/[HA]   pKa = -log(Ka)

[H⁺] vs Concentration Graph

Strong acid (linear)
Weak acid (curved)

pH Calculator