Chapter 16, Problem 93AP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The base with relatively strong conjugate acid should be determined.

Concept Introduction:

Strength of conjugate acid of a base is derived from its k_b value. If a base has a relatively higher k_b value, that means the base reacts with water forming more OH- ions and conjugate acid. If the k_b value is smaller formation of OH- ions and the conjugate acid is smaller. Thus, which can be used to derive the strength of the base. Higher the k_b, higher the formation of OH- ions and higher the strength of the base and on the other hand lower the k_b, lower the formation of OH- ions and lower the strength of the base.

On the other hand, k_a values determine the strength of an acid. Higher the k_a, stronger the acid and lower the k_a, weaker the acid. Normally if the k_a >1, it is considered as a strong acid and if k_b >10-14, it is considered as a relatively stronger base (effective base).

${\text{k}}_{\text{w}}={\text{k}}_{\text{a}}\times {\text{k}}_{\text{b}}$.