Top topic this week
Questions asked by users might not always be phrased in the clearest way.
The difference in pH values between two acid solutions with the same concentration can be attributed to their differing strengths as acids. Acetic acid (CH3COOH) is a weak acid, while hydrogen chloride (HCl) is a strong acid. Weak acids partially dissociate in water, resulting in a lower concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) and a higher pH value. In contrast, strong acids completely dissociate in water, leading to a higher concentration of H+ ions and a lower pH value. Therefore, the lower pH value of the HCl solution indicates that it produces a higher concentration of H+ ions compared to the acetic acid solution, making it a stronger acid.