Chapter 7, Problem 91E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The stepwise Ka reaction for citric acid ( ${\text{H}}_{\text{3}}{\text{C}}_{\text{6}}{\text{H}}_{\text{5}}{\text{O}}_{\text{7}}$ ) needs to be determined.

Concept Introduction: An acid is the substance that gives H+ or ${\text{H}}_{\text{3}}{\text{O}}^{\text{+}}$ ions in its aqueous solution. A strong acid ionized completely to form respective ions whereas a weak acid ionized partially and reaches to equilibrium.

  ${\text{HA}}_{\text{(aq)}}{\text{ + H}}_{\text{2}}{\text{O}}_{\text{(l) }}\rightleftharpoons {\text{H}}_{\text{3}}{\text{O}}^{\text{+}}{}_{\text{(aq)}}{\text{+A}}^{\text{-}}{}_{\text{(aq)}}$

The number of hydrogen ions given by an acid can be different from other acid. On the basis of number of hydrogen ion given by an acid, they can be classified as monoprotic, diprotic and triprotic acids.