Chemistry / Unit 3 Chem 0444 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Weak Acids and Weak Bases
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The idea
A weak acid or base reacts with water only partially, leaving most of the original compound un-ionized at any moment.
In practice
Dissolved ammonia reacts with water to form only about 1% ammonium and hydroxide ions, the rest staying as intact NH3.
Where people slip
Calling a weak acid merely "dilute" confuses incomplete reaction with low concentration; a concentrated solution can still be a weak acid.
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