Chapter 10.5, Problem 2QQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The general expression for the acid ionization constant for a weak acid has to be given.

Concept Introduction:

Acid Ionization Constant:

An acid ionization constant is an equilibrium constant for the reaction of a weak acid with water

Consider a general equation:

    ${\text{HA(aq) + H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O(l) }\underset{\underset{}{\leftharpoondown }}{\overset{}{\rightharpoonup }}{\text{ H}}_{\text{3}}{\text{O}}^{\text{+}}{\text{(aq) + A}}^{\text{-}}\text{(aq)}$

The acid ionization constant:

    ${\text{K}}_{\text{a}}\text{ = }\frac{{\text{[H}}_{\text{3}}{\text{O}}^{\text{+}}{\text{][A}}^{\text{-}}\text{]}}{\text{[HA]}}$

Concentration of water is not included because water is a pure liquid.