What does the term 'strong' imply in the context of acids and bases?

In the context of acids and bases, the term 'strong' refers specifically to a substance that completely ionizes in solution. This means that when a strong acid or strong base is dissolved in water, it dissociates entirely into its constituent ions. For example, a strong acid like hydrochloric acid (HCl) dissociates fully into hydrogen ions (H⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻), maximizing the concentration of hydrogen ions in the solution.

This complete ionization is a key characteristic that distinguishes strong acids and bases from weak ones, which only partially ionize and thus result in a lower concentration of ions in solution. The strength of an acid or base is not merely about the ability to donate protons or hydroxide ions but centers on the extent of this ionization process in aqueous solutions. Therefore, the description of a strong acid or base encapsulates its ability to fully dissociate, which is why this choice reflects the correct definition in the context of acid-base chemistry.