Answer to Question #170662 in Chemistry for Hyeri

Question

Calculate the degree of ionization of 0.03 F solution of lactic acid.

Answer 1

The degree of ionization equals:

d = number of dissociated particles / total number of particles.

As ionization constant K_a for lactic acid is 1.4 × 10^-4, the concentration of dissociated particles equals:

[H⁺] = [A^-] = (K_a × [HA])^1/2 = 0.002 F

From here, the degree of ionization equals:

d = [A^-] / [HA] = 0.002 F / 0.03 F = 0.07 = 7 %

Answer: 7 %