Provide an example of a weak and strong acid and base.

A weak acid is acetic acid and a strong acid is hydrochloric acid. A weak base is ammonia and a strong base is sodium hydroxide.

Acids and bases are classified based on their ability to donate or accept protons. A weak acid is one that only partially dissociates in water, meaning it does not donate all of its protons. Acetic acid, found in vinegar, is an example of a weak acid. It only donates a small fraction of its protons, resulting in a low concentration of hydrogen ions in solution.

In contrast, a strong acid is one that fully dissociates in water, meaning it donates all of its protons. Hydrochloric acid, found in the stomach, is an example of a strong acid. It completely dissociates in water, resulting in a high concentration of hydrogen ions in solution.

Similarly, a weak base is one that only partially accepts protons, while a strong base is one that fully accepts protons. Ammonia is an example of a weak base. It only accepts a small fraction of protons, resulting in a low concentration of hydroxide ions in solution. Sodium hydroxide is an example of a strong base. It fully accepts protons, resulting in a high concentration of hydroxide ions in solution.

Understanding the strength of acids and bases is important in many biological processes, such as enzyme activity and pH regulation.