Boric acid, used to neutralize Ni-Cd electrolyte, is best described as which type of acid?

• A. Strong acid
• B. Weak acid
• C. Non-acidic compound
• D. Strong base

Answer: (B)

Boric acid is a weak acid. In water it only partially ionizes, meaning it does not release a large amount of hydrogen ions readily. This partial dissociation is what defines a weak acid, as opposed to a strong acid that fully ionizes. In the Ni-Cd electrolyte, boric acid acts as a buffering component, helping to stabilize pH by providing modest acidity rather than causing large pH swings. It’s not a non-acidic compound, and it isn’t a base, so those options don’t fit.