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Ch.16 - Acids and Bases
Chapter 16, Problem 74a

Calculate the percent ionization of a formic acid solution having the given concentration. a. 1.00 M

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Ionization of Weak Acids

Weak acids, like formic acid, do not completely dissociate in solution. Instead, they establish an equilibrium between the undissociated acid and its ions. The degree of ionization is crucial for understanding the acid's strength and its behavior in solution.
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Calculating Percent Ionization of Weak Acids

Percent Ionization

Percent ionization is a measure of the extent to which an acid dissociates in solution, expressed as a percentage. It is calculated using the formula: (concentration of ionized acid / initial concentration of acid) × 100%. This value helps compare the strength of different acids.
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Percent Ionization Example

Equilibrium Constant (Ka)

The acid dissociation constant (Ka) quantifies the strength of a weak acid in solution. It is derived from the equilibrium concentrations of the acid and its ions. A higher Ka value indicates a stronger acid, which correlates with a greater degree of ionization and, consequently, a higher percent ionization.
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Equilibrium Constant K