1. What is Initial Concentration of Weak Acid?

Definition: This calculator determines the initial concentration of a weak acid solution based on its dissociation constant (Ka) and degree of dissociation (α).

Purpose: It helps chemists and students understand the relationship between acid strength, dissociation, and initial concentration.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The formula relates the initial concentration of a weak acid to its dissociation constant and the fraction of acid molecules that dissociate.

3. Importance of Initial Concentration Calculation

Details: Knowing the initial concentration helps in preparing solutions with desired pH levels and understanding acid-base equilibrium.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the acid dissociation constant (Ka) and degree of dissociation (α, between 0 and 1). Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: How do I find the Ka value for an acid?
A: Ka values are typically found in chemistry reference tables or can be determined experimentally.

Q3: What units should I use for Ka?
A: The calculator assumes consistent units (mol/m³ for both Ka and concentration).

Q4: Why does the degree of dissociation need to be between 0 and 1?
A: Because it represents a fraction of molecules dissociated, where 0 means none and 1 means all molecules are dissociated.

Q5: Can I use this for strong acids?
A: No, this calculator is specifically for weak acids where the degree of dissociation is significantly less than 1.