Understanding dissociation constants

Click For Summary
In the discussion, there is clarification on the term "[HA]" in the equation Ka = [H+][A-]/[HA], which refers to the equilibrium concentration of the acid rather than its initial concentration. The initial concentration, sometimes called formal or analytical, is represented as [HA] + [A-]. A key point raised is the necessity of including both [H+] and [A-] in the numerator of the Ka expression. It is explained that using only one of these concentrations would be insufficient, as both are products of the dissociation reaction. Changes in the concentration of either [H+] or [A-] affect the equilibrium, thus necessitating their presence in the equation to accurately represent the acid dissociation constant.
sodium.dioxid
Messages
50
Reaction score
0
Ka = [H+][A-]/[HA]

Is the term "[HA]" referring to its initial concentration or its equilibrium concentration?
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
All concentrations are equilibrium concentrations. Initial concentration of acid (sometimes called formal or analytical) is [HA]+[A-].
 
OK, another question: why is it necessary to have both [H+] and [A-] on the numerator? It seems like we could have done just as fine using the definition "Ka=[A-]/[HA]" or "Ka=[H+]/[HA]" instead of "Ka=[H+][A-]/[HA]". Is this conventional or am I missing something?
 
Last edited:
As both H+ and A- are products of the reaction changing concentration of either one shifts the equilibrium, so you need both.
 
I came.across a headline and read some of the article, so I was curious. Scientists discover that gold is a 'reactive metal' by accidentally creating a new material in the lab https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-that-gold-is-reactive-metal-by-creating-gold-hydride-in-lab-experiment/ From SLAC - A SLAC team unexpectedly formed gold hydride in an experiment that could pave the way for studying materials under extreme conditions like those found inside certain planets and stars undergoing...

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
8K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K