1. What is Dissociation Constant of Weak Acid?

Definition: The dissociation constant (Kₐ) is a quantitative measure of the strength of a weak acid in solution, representing its tendency to donate protons.

Purpose: It helps chemists understand acid strength and predict the extent of dissociation in different conditions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( K_a \) — Acid dissociation constant
• \( C_0 \) — Initial concentration of the acid (mol/m³)
• \( \alpha \) — Degree of dissociation (between 0 and 1)

Explanation: The formula relates the equilibrium constant to the initial concentration and the fraction of acid molecules that dissociate.

3. Importance of Dissociation Constant

Details: Kₐ values help predict pH of solutions, buffer capacity, and are fundamental in acid-base chemistry calculations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the initial concentration in mol/m³ and degree of dissociation (between 0 and 1). The degree must be less than 1.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the range for degree of dissociation?
A: The degree of dissociation (α) ranges from 0 (no dissociation) to just under 1 (complete dissociation).

Q2: How does concentration affect Kₐ?
A: Kₐ is a constant at a given temperature, but this calculator helps determine it from experimental measurements.

Q3: What are typical Kₐ values for weak acids?
A: Weak acids typically have Kₐ values between 10⁻² and 10⁻¹⁰. Strong acids effectively have infinite Kₐ.

Q4: Can I use molarity (mol/L) instead of mol/m³?
A: Yes, but be consistent with units. 1 mol/L = 1000 mol/m³.

Q5: Does temperature affect the calculation?
A: Temperature affects Kₐ values, but this calculator assumes constant temperature conditions.