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Chapter 2: Q15CP (page 39)

What is the relationship between the strength of an acid and its pK value?

Short Answer

Expert verified

ThepKa and the strength of the acid is inversely proportional to each other.

Step by step solution

01

Acid strength

The acid strength is indicated by thepKa value. The acid dissociation constant, or pKa, is the negative log of theKa value.

02

Relationship of the pKa value to the acidic strength

The pH scale classifies values below 7 as acidic and those over 7 as basic, whereas, pH 7 is consideredneutral or physiological pH. The amount of H+ions in solution increases under an acidic state, lowering the pH. Similarly, an increase in the concentration of theOH- (hydroxyl) ion elevates the pH value over 7.

03

Dissociation constant of Ka

The acidic strength will be proportionate to the value of Ka, i.e. the value ofka is directly related to the acidity.

pH=-logH+pKa=-logKa

04

Conclusion

Therefore, thehigher theKa value, the lower will be the value PKa. Thelower thePKa value, thestronger will be acid.

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