Which term describes an acid that is only partially dissociated into its ions?

The term that describes an acid that is only partially dissociated into its ions is "weak acid." Weak acids do not completely ionize in solution, meaning that at equilibrium, there are both undissociated acid molecules and dissociated ions present. This is in contrast to strong acids, which fully dissociate in an aqueous solution, producing a large concentration of ions.

The concept of weak acids is significant in understanding acid-base chemistry, as their partial dissociation leads to a balance between the acid and its ions, which can be described by an equilibrium constant (Ka). This characteristic affects the pH level of the solution and the acid's overall reactivity.

Other terms, such as "corrosive acid," refer to the potential harm an acid can cause to materials or living tissue, rather than its dissociation behavior. "Dilute acid" describes the concentration of the acid in a solution, meaning that it is mixed with a large amount of solvent, but does not indicate how much the acid dissociates. Understanding these distinctions is essential when studying acid behavior in different contexts.