Lecture 3b: Acid dissociation constant (pKa)

0.0(0)
studied byStudied by 0 people
0.0(0)
full-widthCall Kai
learnLearn
examPractice Test
spaced repetitionSpaced Repetition
heart puzzleMatch
flashcardsFlashcards
GameKnowt Play
Card Sorting

1/8

encourage image

There's no tags or description

Looks like no tags are added yet.

Study Analytics
Name
Mastery
Learn
Test
Matching
Spaced

No study sessions yet.

9 Terms

1
New cards

What does pKa measure?

The acid strength of a substance (how easily it donates a proton)

2
New cards

What does a low pKa indicate?

A strong acid — more likely to donate a proton.

3
New cards

What does a high pKa indicate?

A weak acid — less likely to donate a proton.

4
New cards

What is the relationship between base strength and the pKa of its conjugate acid?

  • Strong base → weak conjugate acid → high pKa

  • Weak base → strong conjugate acid → low pKa

5
New cards

Why does a strong base have a high pKa?

Because its conjugate acid is very weak and does not easily donate a proton.

6
New cards

Why does a weak base have a low pKa?

Its conjugate acid is stronger and donates a proton more readily.

7
New cards

What is an amphoteric compound?

A substance that can act as both an acid and a base depending on the environment.

8
New cards

What structural feature makes a molecule amphoteric?

The presence of both acidic and basic functional groups

9
New cards

How do amphoteric compounds behave with strong acids and strong bases?

  • With strong acids → act as a base

  • With strong bases → act as an acid