How do strong acid-strong base titrations differ from weak acid-weak base titrations?

Strong Acid – Strong Base Titration

• Example: HCl + NaOH
• Starting pH: Very low (around 1–2)
• Equivalence point pH: 7 (neutral)
• Curve: Sharp jump in pH at equivalence point
• Endpoint detection: Easy
• Buffer region: Almost none

Weak Acid – Weak Base Titration

• Example: CH₃COOH + NH₄OH
• Starting pH: Higher (around 3–4)
• Equivalence point pH: Slightly acidic or basic
• Curve: Gradual rise in pH, no sharp jump
• Endpoint detection: Harder
• Buffer region: Present

In short:

• Strong acid + strong base → sharp pH change, easy to detect.
• Weak acid + weak base → gradual pH change, harder to detect.