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

Calculate the percent ionization of a formic acid solution having the given concentration. b. 0.500 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 to which a weak acid ionizes is crucial for calculating properties such as pH and percent ionization.
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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 in understanding the strength of the acid in a given concentration.
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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 defined as the ratio of the concentration of the products (ions) to the concentration of the reactants (undissociated acid) at equilibrium. Knowing Ka allows for the calculation of the degree of ionization and, consequently, the percent ionization.
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Equilibrium Constant K