JEE MainChemistryIonic Equilibrium
An aqueous solution of a weak monobasic acid HA has a measured pH of 3.0 . If the acid dissociation constant ( pK_a ) of HA is 4.0 , what is the exact degree of dissociation ( ) of the acid in this solution?
Options
- A1 10
- B10 11
- C1 11
- D1 9
Correct answer
C. 1 11
Step-by-step solution
For a weak monobasic acid HA, the exact relationship between its dissociation constant K_a , hydrogen ion concentration [ H ^+] , and degree of dissociation is: K_a = [ H ^+] 1- Taking the negative logarithm on both sides: - K_a = - [ H ^+] - ( 1- ) pK _a = pH - ( 1- ) Rearranging the equation to solve for the logarithmic term: ( 1- ) = pH - pK _a Substitute the given values ( pH = 3.0 and pK _a = 4.0 ): ( 1- ) = 3.0 - 4.0 = -1.0 Taking the antilogarithm of both sides: 1- = 10⁻¹ = 0.1 Solving for : = 0.1(1 - ) = 0.