Explain a test to know whether the acid (or base) is strong or weak.

Explanation

1) Take two beakers A and B.
2) Fill the beaker A with dil. `CH_3COOH` and beaker B with dil. HCl.
3) Arrange the apparatus as shown in the figure and pass electric current through the solutions in separate beakers.
4) We notice that the bulb glows brightly in HCl solution while the intensity of the bulb is low in acetic acid solution.
5) This indicates that there are more ions in HCl solution and fewer ions are present in acetic acid solution.
6) More ions in HCl solution means more `H_3O^+` ions. Therefore it is a strong acid. Whereas acetic acid has fewer H3O+ ions and hence it is weak acid.
7) Carry out the same experiment by taking bases like dil. N/AOH (Sodium hydroxide) and dil. `NH_4OH` (Ammonium hydroxide) instead of acids.
8) We observe that N/AOH is strong base and `NH_4OH` is a weak base.