Kw and the pH Scale Guided Notes

This set of flashcards covers essential vocabulary related to the topic of acids, bases, and pH from the lecture notes.

Ka

The acid dissociation constant, a value that predicts the strength of an acid.

Kw

The ion-product constant for water, equal to [H3O+][OH–] = 10^(-14) at 25°C.

Amphoteric

A substance that can act as either an acid or a base.

pH

A measure of the acid strength of a solution, typically ranging from 0 to 14.

Strong acid

An acid that has a Ka value much greater than 1, indicating it dissociates completely in solution.

Weak acid

An acid that has a Ka value much less than 1, indicating it does not dissociate completely in solution.

Polyprotic acid

An acid that can donate more than one proton (H+) and has a separate Ka for each proton.

Acidic solution

A solution where [H3O+] > 10^(-7) M and [OH–] < 10^(-7) M.

Neutral solution

A solution where [H3O+] = 10^(-7) M and [OH–] = 10^(-7) M.

Basic solution

A solution where [H3O+] < 10^(-7) M and [OH–] > 10^(-7) M.

Hydronium ion (H3O+)

An ion formed when water acts as a base and accepts a proton from an acid.

Hydroxide ion (OH-)

An ion formed when water acts as an acid, donating a proton to a base.

Dissociation

The process by which an acid separates into its ions in solution.