Which of the following is correct?
A) The smaller the acid ionization constant is, the more the acid ionizes and the stronger the acid.
B) The larger the acid ionization constant is, the less the acid ionizes and the weaker the acid.
C) The smaller the acid ionization constant is, the less the acid ionizes and the weaker the acid.
D) The smaller the acid ionization constant is, the less the acid ionizes and the weaker its conjugate base is.
E) The smaller the acid ionization constant is, the more the acid ionizes and the weaker the acid.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The smaller the acid ionization constant is, the less the acid ionizes and the weaker the acid. This is because the acid ionization constant is a measure of the strength of an acid, and a smaller value indicates less ionization and therefore a weaker acid. Option A is incorrect because a smaller ionization constant means the acid is weaker, not stronger. Option B is incorrect because a larger ionization constant means the acid is stronger due to more ionization. Option D is incorrect because it suggests that the conjugate base is weaker, which is not always the case. Option E is incorrect as it contradicts the definition of the acid ionization constant.

Which of the Following Is Correct