Explain the effect of electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups on the acidic strength of benzoic acid with suitable examples.

(N/A) The acidic strength of benzoic acid is influenced by the substituents present on the benzene ring:
$1$. Electron-Withdrawing Groups $(EWG)$: Groups like $-NO_{2}$,$-Cl$,etc.,exert an electron-withdrawing effect ($-I$ and/or $-M$ effect),which stabilizes the carboxylate anion by dispersing the negative charge. This increases the acidic strength. For example,the order of acidic strength is: $p-nitrobenzoic \ acid > p-chlorobenzoic \ acid > benzoic \ acid$.
$2$. Electron-Donating Groups $(EDG)$: Groups like $-CH_{3}$,$-OH$,$-OCH_{3}$,etc.,exert an electron-donating effect ($+I$ and/or $+M$ effect),which destabilizes the carboxylate anion by intensifying the negative charge. This decreases the acidic strength. For example,the order of acidic strength is: $benzoic \ acid > p-toluic \ acid > p-hydroxybenzoic \ acid$.