Question

For which of the weak acids below would the percent ionization for a 0.10 M solution be the greatest?

A) C₆H₅OH, Ka = 1.0x10⁻¹⁰
B) CH₃COOH, Ka = 1.8x10⁻⁵
C) HNO₂, Ka = 7.2x10⁻⁴
D) all the solutions will have the same percent ionization

Answer 1

The weak acid with the largest Ka value will have the greatest percent ionization for a 0.10 M solution. The correct answer is B) CH₃COOH, Ka = 1.8x10⁻⁵.

Step-by-step explanation:

The percent ionization for a weak acid is determined by its acid dissociation constant (Ka) and the initial concentration of the acid. It is given by the formula: Percent ionization = (Ka / initial concentration) x 100%

To determine which weak acid will have the greatest percent ionization, we compare the values of Ka for the options provided. The weak acid with the largest Ka will have the greatest percent ionization.

1. A) C6H5OH, Ka = 1.0x10-10
2. B) CH3COOH, Ka = 1.8x10-5
3. C) HNO2, Ka = 7.2x10-4

Comparing the Ka values, we can see that option B) CH3COOH has the largest Ka, so it will have the greatest percent ionization for a 0.10 M solution.