Dissociation Constant of Acid 2 given Degree of Dissociation of Both Acids Calculator

Formula Used:

\[ Ka_2 = (Ka_1) \times \left(\frac{\alpha_2}{\alpha_1}\right)^2 \]

Dissociation Constant of Acid 2 (Ka₂):

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1. What is Dissociation Constant of Acid 2 Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the dissociation constant of a second acid (Ka₂) based on the dissociation constant of a first acid (Ka₁) and their respective degrees of dissociation.

Purpose: It helps chemists and students compare the relative strengths of acids based on their dissociation behavior in solution.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ Ka_2 = (Ka_1) \times \left(\frac{\alpha_2}{\alpha_1}\right)^2 \]

Where:

\( Ka_2 \) — Dissociation constant of acid 2
\( Ka_1 \) — Dissociation constant of acid 1
\( \alpha_1 \) — Degree of dissociation of acid 1 (between 0 and 1)
\( \alpha_2 \) — Degree of dissociation of acid 2 (between 0 and 1)

Explanation: The formula relates the dissociation constants of two acids through the square of the ratio of their degrees of dissociation.

3. Importance of Acid Dissociation Constants

Details: The dissociation constant (Ka) quantifies acid strength in solution. A higher Ka value indicates a stronger acid that dissociates more completely.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the known dissociation constant (Ka₁) and both degrees of dissociation (α₁ and α₂). All values must be positive numbers, with degrees of dissociation between 0 and 1.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is degree of dissociation?
A: The degree of dissociation (α) is the fraction of acid molecules that dissociate into ions in solution, ranging from 0 (no dissociation) to 1 (complete dissociation).

Q2: Why is the ratio squared in the formula?
A: The square relationship comes from the equilibrium constant expression for weak acid dissociation, where concentrations are raised to their stoichiometric coefficients.

Q3: What units does Ka have?
A: The acid dissociation constant is dimensionless when using activities, but often given in mol/L when using concentrations.

Q4: Can I use this for bases?
A: No, this formula is specific for acids. Bases have their own dissociation constant (Kb).

Q5: What's a typical range for Ka values?
A: Strong acids have Ka > 1, weak acids have Ka between 10⁻³ and 1, and very weak acids have Ka < 10⁻³.