6.3.2
Weak Acids & Ka
Weak Acids
Weak Acids
Not all acids ionize dissociate in solution.


Weak acids
Weak acids
- Weak acids do not fully ionize in solution.
- For a strong acid, like HCl, the equilibrium for the following equation lies very far to the right:
- HCl + H2O ⇋ H3O+ + Cl-
- For a weak acid (e.g. acetic acid), the equilibrium lies closer to the middle.


Ka
Ka
- We define a new constant as Ka =
- HA refers to the un-ionised acid molecule, and A- refers to the anion remainder after loss of a proton.
- A large Ka value means that a lot of the acid ionizes in solution.
- A small Ka value means that very little acid ionizes in solution.


pKa
pKa
- Just like pH, we use pKa because Ka values vary a lot.
- The definition of pKa is:
- pKa = −log10(Ka)
Calculating the Concentration of Ions
Calculating the Concentration of Ions
We can use pKa along with pH to calculate the concentrations of varying ions in solution.
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Converting pKa to Ka
Converting pKa to Ka
- The definition of pKa is:
- pKa = -log10(Ka)
- This can be rearranged into:
- Ka = 10-pKa
![Illustrative background for Calculating [H<sub>3</sub>O<sup>+</sup>] from K<sub>a</sub>](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-05/bfd82912-dd07-4d27-8fa6-d36e7de80285/math-611503_960_720 (1),h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
![Illustrative background for Calculating [H<sub>3</sub>O<sup>+</sup>] from K<sub>a</sub> ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-05/bfd82912-dd07-4d27-8fa6-d36e7de80285/math-611503_960_720 (1),h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
Calculating [H3O+] from Ka
Calculating [H3O+] from Ka
- When you dissolve a weak monoprotic acid in solution, [H3O+] is always equal to [A-].
- This means you can simplify Ka into:
- Ka =
- But, [HA] is the concentration of the acid added ([HA]0, minus the concentration of the ionized acid), so we can simplify further to:
- Ka =
- If you know the values of Ka and [HA]0, you can calculate the concentration of H3O+ ions.
![Illustrative background for Calculating [HA] from K<sub>a</sub> and pH](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-05/bfd82912-dd07-4d27-8fa6-d36e7de80285/math-611503_960_720 (1),h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
![Illustrative background for Calculating [HA] from K<sub>a</sub> and pH ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-05/bfd82912-dd07-4d27-8fa6-d36e7de80285/math-611503_960_720 (1),h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
Calculating [HA] from Ka and pH
Calculating [HA] from Ka and pH
- First, use the definition of pH to calculate the [H3O+].
- Next, use [H3O+] = [A-] to simplify the equation for Ka.
- Then, rearrange Ka to give [HA]:
- [HA] =
1Structure - Models of the Particulate of Matter
1.1Introduction to the Particulate Model of Matter
1.2The Nuclear Atom
1.3Electron Configuration
1.4Counting Particles by Mass: The Mole
1.6Elements, Compounds & Mixtures
1.7States of Matter & Changes of State
1.8Reacting Masses &. Volumes
1.9Solutions
2Structure - Models of Bonding & Structure
2.1The Ionic Model
2.2The Covalent Model
2.3Covalent Structures
2.4The Metallic Model
2.5From Models to Materials
2.6Valence Electrons & Ionic Compounds
2.7Molecular Shape
3Structure - Classification of Matter
3.1The Periodic Table: Classification of Elements
3.2Periodic Trends
3.3Group 1 Alkali Metals
3.4Halogens
3.5Noble gases, group 18
3.6Functional Groups: Classification of Organic
3.7Functional Group Chemistry
3.8Alkanes
3.9Alcohols
4Reactivity - What Drives Chemical Reaction?
4.1Endothermic & Exothermic Reactions
4.2Enthalpy of Reaction, Formation, & Hess' Law
5Reactivity - How Much, How Fast & How Far?
5.1Kinetics
5.2Rates of Reaction
5.3Stoichometry
5.4Le Châtelier’s Principle
5.5Introduction to Equilibrium
5.6Equilibrium Constant
5.7Reaction Quotient & Equilibrium Constant
6Reactivity - The Mechanisms of Chemical Change
6.1Proton Transfer Reactions
6.2The pH Scale
6.3Strong & Weak Acids and Bases
6.4Acid Deposition
6.5Types of Organic Reactions
6.6Oxidation & Reduction
6.7Electrochemical Cells
6.9Acid-Base Titrations
6.9.1Titration Calculation Weak Acid & Strong Base
6.9.2Titration Experimental Detail
6.9.3Extended Response - Titration
6.9.4Titration Calculations
6.9.5Titration Curves
6.9.6Titration Calculation Strong Acid & Weak Base
6.9.7IB Multiple Choice - Titrations
6.9.8Polyprotic Acids
6.9.9Titration Calculations Strong Acid & Strong Base
6.9.10Titrations Curves 2
7Measurement, Data Processing & Analysis
7.1Uncertainties & Errors in Measurements & Results
7.2Graphical Techniques
7.3Spectroscopic Identification of Organic Compounds
7.4Infrared Spectroscpy
Jump to other topics
1Structure - Models of the Particulate of Matter
1.1Introduction to the Particulate Model of Matter
1.2The Nuclear Atom
1.3Electron Configuration
1.4Counting Particles by Mass: The Mole
1.6Elements, Compounds & Mixtures
1.7States of Matter & Changes of State
1.8Reacting Masses &. Volumes
1.9Solutions
2Structure - Models of Bonding & Structure
2.1The Ionic Model
2.2The Covalent Model
2.3Covalent Structures
2.4The Metallic Model
2.5From Models to Materials
2.6Valence Electrons & Ionic Compounds
2.7Molecular Shape
3Structure - Classification of Matter
3.1The Periodic Table: Classification of Elements
3.2Periodic Trends
3.3Group 1 Alkali Metals
3.4Halogens
3.5Noble gases, group 18
3.6Functional Groups: Classification of Organic
3.7Functional Group Chemistry
3.8Alkanes
3.9Alcohols
4Reactivity - What Drives Chemical Reaction?
4.1Endothermic & Exothermic Reactions
4.2Enthalpy of Reaction, Formation, & Hess' Law
5Reactivity - How Much, How Fast & How Far?
5.1Kinetics
5.2Rates of Reaction
5.3Stoichometry
5.4Le Châtelier’s Principle
5.5Introduction to Equilibrium
5.6Equilibrium Constant
5.7Reaction Quotient & Equilibrium Constant
6Reactivity - The Mechanisms of Chemical Change
6.1Proton Transfer Reactions
6.2The pH Scale
6.3Strong & Weak Acids and Bases
6.4Acid Deposition
6.5Types of Organic Reactions
6.6Oxidation & Reduction
6.7Electrochemical Cells
6.9Acid-Base Titrations
6.9.1Titration Calculation Weak Acid & Strong Base
6.9.2Titration Experimental Detail
6.9.3Extended Response - Titration
6.9.4Titration Calculations
6.9.5Titration Curves
6.9.6Titration Calculation Strong Acid & Weak Base
6.9.7IB Multiple Choice - Titrations
6.9.8Polyprotic Acids
6.9.9Titration Calculations Strong Acid & Strong Base
6.9.10Titrations Curves 2
7Measurement, Data Processing & Analysis
7.1Uncertainties & Errors in Measurements & Results
7.2Graphical Techniques
7.3Spectroscopic Identification of Organic Compounds
7.4Infrared Spectroscpy
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