Polyprotic Acids

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms and definitions related to polyprotic acids and their properties.

Polyprotic Acids

Acids that can donate more than one proton (H+) per molecule.

First Ionization

The initial process in which a polyprotic acid donates its first proton to water, forming a hydronium ion (H3O+).

Second Ionization

The process by which the conjugate base of a polyprotic acid donates another proton to water, occurring after the first ionization.

H2CO3 (Carbonic Acid)

A common polyprotic acid that undergoes two ionizations and is involved in the bicarbonate buffering system.

H3O+ (Hydronium Ion)

The ion formed when an acid donates a proton to water; a key component in acid-base chemistry.

pKa

A value that represents the dissociation constant of an acid; lower pKa indicates stronger acid.

Dissociation

The process by which an acid breaks apart in solution to release protons.

Conjugate Base

The species produced when an acid donates a proton; it can accept a proton back in a reversible manner.

H2SO4 (Sulfuric Acid)

A strong diprotic acid that completely dissociates in its first ionization and partially in its second.

H3PO4 (Phosphoric Acid)

A triprotic acid with three ionizable protons, each with a different pKa value.