Chemistry for Non-Majors

Acids and Bases

Acid and Base Ionization Constants
 LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Define a strong acid.

• List some strong acids.

• Define a weak acid.

• List some weak acids.

• Write the expression for the acid ionization constant.

• Define strong and weak bases.

• Give examples of strong and weak bases.

• Write the expression for the base ionization constant.

• Perform calculations of acid and base ionization constants.

Strong and Weak Acids and Acid Ionization Constant (Ka)

HOW DO THEY ETCH GLASS?

Etching of glass is a slow process that can produce beautiful artwork.

Traditionally, the glass has been treated with dilute hydrofluoric acid which
gradually dissolves the glass under it. Parts of the piece that should not be
etched are covered with wax or some other non-reactive material. In more
recent times, compounds such as ammonium bifluoride have been used.
Whichever chemical is employed, the artist must be very careful not to get
any on their skin.
Strong and Weak Acids and Acid Ionization Constant

Acids are classified as either strong or weak, based on their ionization in water. A
strong acid is an acid which is completely ionized in an aqueous solution. Hydrogen
chloride (HCl) ionizes completely into hydrogen ions and chloride ions in water.

A weak acid is an acid that ionizes only slightly in an aqueous solution. Acetic acid
(found in vinegar) is a very common weak acid. Its ionization is shown below.

The ionization of acetic acid is incomplete, and so the equation is shown with a double
arrow. The extent of ionization of weak acids varies, but is generally less than 10%. A
0.10 M solution of acetic acid is only about 1.3% ionized, meaning that the equilibrium
strongly favors the reactants.

Weak acids, like strong acids, ionize to yield the H + ion and a conjugate base. Because
HCl is a strong acid, its conjugate base (Cl − ) is extremely weak. The chloride ion is
incapable of accepting the H + ion and becoming HCl again. In general, the stronger
the acid, the weaker its conjugate base. Likewise, the weaker the acid, the stronger its
conjugate base.
 Relative Strengths of Acids and their Conjugate Bases

Acid Conjugate Base

Strong Acids

HCl (hydrochloric acid) (strongest) Cl − (chloride ion) (weakest)

H 2 SO 4 (sulfuric acid) HSO 4 − (hydrogen sulfate ion)

HNO 3 (nitric acid) NO 3 − (nitrate ion)

Weak Acids

H 3 PO 4 (phosphoric acid) H 2 PO 4 − (dihydrogen phosphate ion)

CH 3 COOH (acetic acid) CH 3 COO − (acetate ion)

H 2 CO 3 (carbonic acid) HCO 3 − (hydrogen carbonate ion)

HCN (hydrocyanic acid) (weakest) CN − (cyanide ion) (strongest)

Strong acids are 100% ionized in solution. Weak acids are only slightly ionized.
Phosphoric acid is stronger than acetic acid and so is ionized to a greater extent.
Acetic acid is stronger than carbonic acid, and so on.

The Acid Ionization Constant, Ka

The ionization for a general weak acid, HA, can be written as follows:

Because the acid is weak, an equilibrium expression can be written. An acid ionization
constant (Ka) is the equilibrium constant for the ionization of an acid.

The acid ionization represents the fraction of the original acid that has been ionized in
solution. Therefore, the numerical value of Ka is a reflection of the strength of the acid.
Weak acids with relatively higher Ka values are stronger than acids with relatively
lower Ka values. Because strong acids are essentially 100% ionized, the concentration
of the acid in the denominator is nearly zero and the Ka value approaches infinity. For
this reason, Ka values are generally reported for weak acids only.

The Table below is a listing of acid ionization constants for several acids. Note that
polyprotic acids have a distinct ionization constant for each ionization step, with each
successive ionization constant being smaller than the previous one.
 Acid Ionization Constants at 25°C
Name of Acid Ionization Equation Ka

H2SO4 ⇌ H+ + HSO4− very large

Sulfuric acid
HSO4− ⇌ H+ + SO42− 1.3 × 10−2

H2C2O4 ⇌ H+ + HC2O4− 6.5 × 10−2

Oxalic acid
HC2O4− ⇌ H+ + C2O42− 6.1 × 10−5

H3PO4 ⇌ H+ + H2PO4− 7.5 × 10−3

H2PO4− ⇌ H+ + HPO42− 6.2 × 10−8

Phosphoric acid

HPO42− ⇌ H+ + PO43− 4.8 × 10−13

Hydrofluoric acid HF ⇌ H+ + F− 7.1 × 10−4

Nitrous acid HNO2 ⇌ H+ + NO2− 4.5 × 10−4

Benzoic acid C6H5COOH ⇌ H+ + C6H5COO− 6.5 × 10−5

Acetic acid CH3COOH ⇌ H+ + CH3COO− 1.8 × 10−5

H2CO3 ⇌ H+ + HCO3− 4.2 × 10−7

Carbonic acid
HCO3− ⇌ H+ + CO32− 4.8 × 10−11

Hydrocyanic acid HCN ⇌ H+ + CN− 4.9 × 10−10

Strong and Weak Bases and Base Ionization Constant (Kb)

AMMONIA FOR WHAT?

All the complex electronics and

apparatus in a space shuttle generate
heat, as do the astronauts. The shuttles
have a complex arrangement of systems
to dissipate that heat into outer space.
One of the components of this system is
a series of coils filled with ammonia that
are located on the outside of the shuttle. Ammonia absorbs the heat and
then releases it into space as the gas circulates through the coils. This
approach is both inexpensive and effective.

Strong and Weak Bases and Base Ionization Constant, Kb

As with acids, bases can either be strong or weak, depending on their extent of
ionization. A strong base is a base, which ionizes completely in an aqueous solution.
The most common strong bases are soluble metal hydroxide compounds such as
potassium hydroxide. Some metal hydroxides are not as strong simply because they
are not as soluble. Calcium hydroxide is only slightly soluble in water, but the portion
that does dissolve also dissociates into ions.

A weak base is a base that ionizes only slightly in an aqueous solution. Recall that a
base can be defined as a substance, which accepts a hydrogen ion from another
substance. When a weak base such as ammonia is dissolved in water, it accepts an H +
ion from water, forming the hydroxide ion and the conjugate acid of the base, the
ammonium ion.
The equilibrium greatly favors the reactants and the extent of ionization of the
ammonia molecule is very small.

An equilibrium expression can be written for the reactions of weak bases with water.
Because the concentration of water is extremely large and virtually constant, the water
is not included in the expression. A base ionization constant (Kb) is the equilibrium
constant for the ionization of a base. For ammonia the expression is:

The numerical value of Kb is a reflection of the strength of the base. Weak bases with
relatively higher Kb values are stronger than bases with relatively lower Kb values. The
Table below is a listing of base ionization constants for several weak bases.

Base Ionization Constants at 25°C

Name of Base Ionization Equation Kb

Methylamine CH3NH2 + H2O ⇌ CH3NH3+ + OH− 5.6 × 10−4

Ammonia NH3 + H2O ⇌ NH4+ + OH− 1.8 × 10−5

Pyridine C5H5N + H2O ⇌ C5H5NH+ + OH− 1.7 × 10−9

Acetate ion CH3COO− + H2O ⇌ CH3COOH + OH− 5.6 × 10−10

Fluoride ion F− + H2O ⇌ HF + OH− 1.4 × 10−11

Urea H2NCONH2 + H2O ⇌ H2CONH3+ + OH− 1.5 × 10−14

Notice that the conjugate base of a weak acid is also a strong base. For example, the
acetate ion has a small tendency to accept a hydrogen ion from water to form acetic
acid and the hydroxide ion.

Calculating Ka and Kb

WHO INVENTED THE PH METER?

 The pH meter was invented because Florida orange growers needed a way
to test the acidity of their fruit. The first meter was invented by Arnold
Beckman, who went on to form Beckman Instruments.

Beckman’s business was very successful and he used much of his fortune to
fund science education and research. The Beckman family donated $40
million to build the Beckman Institute at the University of Illinois.

Calculating Ka and Kb

The numerical value of Ka or Kb can be determined from an experiment. A solution of

known concentration is prepared and its pH is measured with an instrument called a
pH meter .

Sample Problem: Calculation of an Acid Ionization

Constant

A 0.500 M solution of formic acid is prepared and its

pH is measured to be 2.04. Determine the Ka for
formic acid.

Step 1: List the known values and plan the problem.

Known
Figure 1. A pH meter is a
• initial [HCOOH] = 0.500 M laboratory device that
provides quick, accurate
• pH = 2.04 measurements of the pH of
solutions.
Unknown

• Ka = ?

First, the pH is used to calculate the [H + ] at equilibrium. An ICE table is set up in

order to determine the concentrations of HCOOH and HCOO – at equilibrium. All
concentrations are then substituted into the Ka expression and the Ka value is
calculated.

Step 2: Solve.

Since each formic acid molecule that ionizes yields one H + ion and one formate ion
(HCOO – ), the concentrations of H + and HCOO – are equal at equilibrium. We
assume that the initial concentrations of each ion are zero, resulting in the following
ICE table.

Concentrations [HCOOH] [H + ] [HCOO − ]

Initial 0.500 0 0

Change -9.12 × 10 -3 +9.12 × 10 -3 +9.12 × 10 -3

Equilibrium 0.491 9.12 × 10 -3 9.12 × 10 -3

Now substituting into the Ka expression gives:

Step 3: Think about your result .

The value of Ka is consistent with that of a weak acid. Two significant figures are
appropriate for the answer, since there are two digits after the decimal point in the
reported pH.

Similar steps can be taken to determine the Kb of a base. For example, a 0.750 M
solution of the weak base ethylamine (C2H5 NH2) has a pH of 12.31.

Since one of the products of the ionization reaction is the hydroxide ion, we need to
first find the [OH − ] at equilibrium. The pOH is 14 – 12.31 = 1.69. The [OH − ] is then
found from 10 -1.69 = 2.04 × 10 -2 M. The ICE table is then set up as shown below.
 Concentrations [C2H5NH2] [C2H5NH3+] [OH−]

Initial 0.750 0 0

Change -2.04 × 10 -2 +2.04 × 10 -2 +2.04 × 10 -2

Equilibrium 0.730 2.04 × 10 -2 2.04 × 10 -2

Substituting into the Kb expression yields the Kb for ethylamine.

SUMMARY

• Strong and weak acids are defined.

• The acid ionization constant (Ka) is defined.

• Strong and weak bases are defined.

• The base equilibrium constant is stated.

• Calculations of Ka and Kb are described.

PRACTICE

Strong and Weak Acids and Acid Ionization Constant (Ka)

Read the material at the link below and answer the following questions:

http://www.chemguide.co.uk/physical/acidbaseeqia/acids.html

1. Why is the [H2O] factor not included in the expression for Ka ?

2. When we write H+, what are we really talking about?

 3. Which is the weaker acid: methanoic or ethanoic acid?

Strong and Weak Bases and Base Ionization Constant (Kb)

Read the material at the link below and answer the following questions:

http://www.chemguide.co.uk/physical/acidbaseeqia/bases.html

1. In the presence of hydroxide ions, which way does the equilibrium

shift for the equation showing the dissociation of water?

2. What percentage of ammonia in solution actually produces hydroxide

ions?

3. How does the position of equilibrium relate to the strength of a weak

base?

Calculating Ka and Kb

Read the material at the link below and answer the following questions:

http://www.ausetute.com.au/kb.html

1. What does an Arrhenius base dissociate to?

2. What does a Brønsted-Lowry base form in water?

3. How is percent ionization determined?

Review

Strong and Weak Acids and Acid Ionization Constant (Ka)

1. Why is the chloride ion the weakest conjugate base?

2. What is the percent ionization in a 0.1 M solution of acetic acid?

3. Which is the stronger acid: HF or benzoic acid?

Strong and Weak Bases and Base Ionization Constant (Kb)

1. Define a strong base.

2. Define a weak base.

3. Which is the stronger base: pyridine or urea?

Calculating Ka and Kb

1. What approach is used for calculation of ionization constants?

2. What initial assumptions are made?

3. What equilibrium assumptions are made?

Glossary

• acid ionization constant : The equilibrium constant for the ionization of an

acid.

• strong acid: An acid that is completely ionized in aqueous solution.

• weak acid: An acid that ionizes only slightly in aqueous solution.

• base ionization constant : The equilibrium constant for the ionization of a

base.

• strong base: A base which ionizes completely in aqueous solution.

• weak base: A base that ionizes only slightly in aqueous solution.

• pH meter: A device for accurate measurement of pH.

Show References

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