What is the relationship between pKa and Ka for an acid?
Practice Questions
Q1
What is the relationship between pKa and Ka for an acid?
pKa = -log(Ka)
pKa = log(Ka)
pKa = Ka
pKa = 1/Ka
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What is the relationship between pKa and Ka for an acid?
Correct Answer: pKa = -log(Ka)
Step 1: Understand that Ka is a number that tells us how strong an acid is. It is called the acid dissociation constant.
Step 2: Know that pKa is another way to express the strength of an acid, but it is a smaller number that is easier to work with.
Step 3: Learn the formula that connects pKa and Ka: pKa = -log(Ka).
Step 4: Realize that if Ka is a big number (strong acid), pKa will be a small number. If Ka is a small number (weak acid), pKa will be a bigger number.
Step 5: Use the formula to convert between Ka and pKa when needed.