Asked by Emma

HA +H2O ---> A- +H3O+

In the equation is HA a strong acid?
Answered by DrBob222
I hesitate to answer because I don't know the context of the question.
GENERALLY, I see HA written for ionization constants and that usually is done in which HA is a weak acid. Strictly speaking, if HCl is written as HA, then the products are H3O^+ and A^-. If HA is a weak acid, the products are H3O^+ + A^- but there is some HA remaining. Confused? I hope not. I can be more specific if you tell me how this is used.
Answered by Emma
The question states: Based on the picture and the equation beneath it, which of the following best describes chemical HA?
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There is this picture above with a magnifying glass (magnifying a 1L container). Below the picture, it lists the equation and these colored molecules on top.

HA is this dark gray molecule
H2O is light gray
A- is a blue molecule
H3O+ is this huge orange molecule

There are more H3O molecules than A- molecules. And you can't see any of the gray molecules.

And I know that the answer is not a weak acid so... I'm confused... The options are weak base, strong base, weak acid and strong acid.
Answered by DrBob222
It's confusing to me too. It points to a strong acid to me BUT not all of it fits.
If HA is a strong acid, then you should have no HA molecules on the right and that fits. You should have an equal number of H3O^+ ions and A^- ions.which doesn't fit. If you know it isn't a weak acid that points even stronger to strong acid. I would rule out a base because
HA + H2O ==> HAH^+ + OH^- would be the equation and from your description there are no different colors that would indicate the H2A^+. It MUST be an acid to get H3O^+.
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