Chemistry / Unit 3 Chem 0443 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Strong Acids and Strong Bases
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The idea
A strong acid or base reacts with, or dissociates in, water essentially completely, leaving almost no starting compound intact.
In practice
Hydrochloric acid and the ionic hydroxides, such as NaOH and Ba(OH)2, are strong because their reactions go essentially to completion.
Where people slip
Assuming every acid dissociates completely, or treating "strong" as meaning concentrated or dangerous rather than fully ionized, misapplies the term.
Your place on the trail
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