Acid-Base Equilibria Flashcards
Define an acid.
An acid is a species which donates a proton / H+ ion
Define a base.
A base is a species which accepts a proton / H+ ion
Define amphoteric.
A substance that is able to react both as a base and as an acid
What is a conjugate acid-base pair?
A pair of species in an equilibrium which differ by the loss/gain of H+
What is an acid-base reaction?
Any reaction that involves the transfer of protons (H+ ions).
What is meant by the term pH?
pH is a measure of acidity and alkalinity. It is a logarithmic scale from 0 to 14 that gives the concentration of H+ ions in a solution.
What equation is used to calculate pH from hydrogen ion concentration?
pH = -log10[H+]
What equation is used to calculate hydrogen ion concentration from pH?
H+ = 10^-pH
What is meant by a strong acid?
An acid that completely dissociates to ions when in solution. Has pH 0-1.
What is meant by a weak acid?
An acid that only slightly dissociates into ions when in solution. Has pH between 3-7.
How would you calculate the pH of a strong acid?
pH = log10[H+]
Write a equilibrium constant equation for the dissociation of a weak acid.
Ka = [H+][A-]/[HA]
