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Acids and Bases

Weak Acids and Ka

  • 3 things to know
  • Papers 1 and 3

Overview

Partial dissociation, the Ka and pKa expressions, and calculating the pH of a weak acid.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

What is a weak acid?

Key term

What does it mean for a weak acid to be partially dissociated?

Key term

Write the general equilibrium expression for the dissociation of a weak acid HA in water.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What is a weak acid?

    Model answer

    An acid that only partially dissociates in aqueous solution

  2. 2

    What does it mean for a weak acid to be partially dissociated?

    Model answer

    Only a small proportion of the acid molecules donate protons to water at any given time, establishing an equilibrium

  3. 3

    Write the general equilibrium expression for the dissociation of a weak acid HA in water.

    Model answer

    HA ⇌ H⁺ + A⁻

  4. 4

    What is Ka?

    Model answer

    The acid dissociation constant, which is the equilibrium constant for the dissociation of a weak acid

  5. 5

    Write the expression for Ka for a weak acid HA.

    Model answer

    Ka = [H⁺][A⁻]/[HA]

  6. 6

    What does a larger Ka value indicate about acid strength?

    Model answer

    The acid is stronger and dissociates to a greater extent

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