What can be said about weak acids in solution?

Prepare for the NCEA Level 3 Chemistry – Aqueous Chemistry (AS91393) Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Excel on your exam!

Weak acids in solution partially dissociate in water, meaning that only a small fraction of the acid molecules will ionize to produce hydronium ions (H3O+) and their corresponding conjugate base. This characteristic is what differentiates weak acids from strong acids, which completely dissociate in solution.

The degree of dissociation for weak acids can be quantified using their dissociation constant (Ka), which is relatively low compared to that of strong acids. This partial dissociation results in an equilibrium state, where both dissociated and undissociated forms of the acid coexist in the solution.

In summary, the correct answer reflects the behavior of weak acids in solution, highlighting that they do not completely ionize like strong acids do.

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