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Electrolytes That Release Hydrogen Ions in Water

Electrolytes that release hydrogen ions into water are acids. Releasing hydrogen ions into water is the key property of an acid. The strength of acids is determined by the level of ionization when they enter water; this is the amount of hydrogen ions they release into the water. The more hydrogen ions released into the water, the more acidic and the lower the pH of the solution becomes--the strongest acids have a pH of 1.

  1. Hydrochloric Acid

    • In its concentrated form, hydrochloric is one of the strongest acids, with a pH of 1; this is because it ionizes well in water. Hydrochloric acid is present within the body, where it exists as stomach acid and helps to break down food for further digestion.

      The chemical formula of hydrochloric acid is HCl. When in water, this ionizes to become H+ and Cl-. It is the H+ ion which gives this its acidic properties.

    Carbonic Acid

    • Carbonic acid is the acid present within fizzy drinks. It is formed when carbon dioxide is forced into the liquid and dissolves. Its chemical formula is H2CO3. While in the drink, it degrades into water, H2O, and carbon dioxide, CO2, again when the pressure is released, which holds it in the drink while the bottle is closed.

    Citric Acid

    • Citric acid is a weak acid found in citrus and other fruits. It is known as a weak acid because it ionizes only weakly in water; this results in citric acid having a higher pH value.

      Fruits also contain an acid called ascorbic acid, which is more commonly known as vitamin C.

    Acetic Acid

    • Acetic acid is found in vinegar at a level of 5 percent. Acetic acid is also a weak acid and ionizes water weakly, releasing fewer hydrogen ions than stronger acids. The chemical formula of acetic acid is HC2H3O2.

    Sulfuric Acid

    • Sulfuric acid is commonly used in industry. It is a strong acid, as it almost completely ionizes in water, resulting in a low pH value. The chemical formula of sulfuric acid is H2SO4.

    Nitric Acid

    • Nitric acid, with the chemical formula of HNO3, is a strong acid. It is highly corrosive and has many uses in industry.

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