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Weak Acids and Weak Bases

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State

A weak acid or base reacts with water only partially, leaving most of the original compound un-ionized at any moment.

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Dissolved ammonia reacts with water to form only about 1% ammonium and hydroxide ions, the rest staying as intact NH3.

Watch for

Calling a weak acid merely "dilute" confuses incomplete reaction with low concentration; a concentrated solution can still be a weak acid.