How are acids classified based on their chemical makeup?

Acids are classified based on several different characteristics in their chemical makeup. These characteristics include their ability to dissociate into solutions, concentrations, functions, and where they are derived from. An acid which is able to completely dissociate into water is known as a strong acid. A weak acid is one that is only able to partially dissociate into water. Acids can also be classified into Arrhenius and Brownsted-Lowry acids. An Arrehnius acid (hydrofluoric acid) is a compound that, when added to water, increases the concentration of hydrogen ions in the solution. A Bronsted-Lowry acid (e.g. HCl) is a compound which donates protons to another substance. Organic acids (e.g. lactic acid, citric acid) are derived from plants and animals, and are located within the environment. Inorganic acids (e.g. sulfuric acid) are composed from minerals found in the earth’s crust. Concentrated acids are solutions where a large amount of acid is dissolved in a small volume of water, resulting in a high concentration of acid. Dilute acids refer to solutions with a small quantity of acid dissolved in a larger volume of water.