Open Question
Pick the stronger base from each pair. a. ClO4– or ClO2– b. Cl– or H2O c. CN– or ClO–
17. Acid and Base Equilibrium
Ka and Kb
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The Ka value for a weak acid is _________ than the Ka value for a strong acid because the weak acid ionizes to a _________ extent than the strong acid.
A
larger; lesser
B
larger; greater
C
smaller; lesser
D
smaller; greater
E
equal to; greater
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of acid ionization: Strong acids completely ionize in solution, while weak acids only partially ionize.
Recognize that the acid dissociation constant (Ka) is a measure of the strength of an acid in solution, specifically how well it donates protons (H+ ions).
Note that a larger Ka value indicates a stronger acid because it means the acid ionizes more completely in solution.
Since weak acids ionize to a lesser extent than strong acids, their Ka values are smaller compared to those of strong acids.
Therefore, the correct answer is that the Ka value for a weak acid is smaller than the Ka value for a strong acid because the weak acid ionizes to a lesser extent than the strong acid.
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