Chapter 16, Problem 138AP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The value of the equilibrium constant for the given reaction is to be determined.

Concept Introduction:

The ionization of a weak acid takes place as

${\text{HA}}_{\left(\text{aq}\right)}+{\text{H}}_2{\text{O}}_{\left(\text{l}\right)}\rightleftharpoons {\text{H}}_{\text{3}}{\text{O}}^{\text{+}}{}_{\left(\text{aq}\right)}+{\text{A}}^{-}{}_{\left(\text{aq}\right)}$

$K_{\text{a}}$ is the measure of dissociation of an acid and is known as the acid-ionization constant, which is specific to a particular temperature.

$K_{\text{a}}=\frac{\left[{\text{H}}_3{\text{O}}^{+}\right]\left[{\text{A}}^{-}\right]}{\left[\text{HA}\right]}$ …… (1)