Calculate the percent ionization of a formic acid solution having the given concentration. a. 1.00 M

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Write the ionization equation for formic acid.
2. Step 2: Set up the expression for the acid dissociation constant (Ka) for formic acid.
3. Step 3: Assume initial concentrations and changes in concentration to set up an ICE table (Initial, Change, Equilibrium).
4. Step 4: Use the Ka expression and the ICE table to solve for the concentration of hydrogen ions at equilibrium.
5. Step 5: Calculate the percent ionization using the formula: \( \text{Percent Ionization} = \left( \frac{[\text{H}^+]}{[\text{HA}]_0} \right) \times 100 \% \), where \([\text{HA}]_0\) is the initial concentration of formic acid.

Key Concepts

Ionization of Weak Acids

Weak acids, like formic acid, do not completely dissociate in solution. Instead, they establish an equilibrium between the undissociated acid and its ions. The degree of ionization is crucial for understanding the acid's strength and its behavior in solution.

Percent Ionization

Percent ionization is a measure of the extent to which an acid dissociates in solution, expressed as a percentage. It is calculated using the formula: (concentration of ionized acid / initial concentration of acid) × 100%. This value helps compare the strength of different acids.

Equilibrium Constant (Ka)

The acid dissociation constant (Ka) quantifies the strength of a weak acid in solution. It is derived from the equilibrium concentrations of the acid and its ions. A higher Ka value indicates a stronger acid, which correlates with a greater degree of ionization and, consequently, a higher percent ionization.