alleryStart learning →How does a weak acid affect the hydronium ion concentration of a solution?
AIt lowers it below that of pure water
BIt raises it, but less than a strong acid
CIt raises it more than a strong acid does
DIt leaves it exactly unchanged
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. It raises it, but less than a strong acid
1. A weak acid does ionize, just not completely, so it does release hydronium ions.
2. The hydronium ion concentration therefore rises above that of pure water.
3. But it rises less than the same amount of a strong acid would raise it.
4. Weak means partial ionization, never zero ionization.
_Source: OpenStax Chemistry (CC BY 4.0), Ch 14 "Acid-Base Equilibria", section The Ionization of Weak Acids and Weak Bases_
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