What is the ionizing constant of formic acid (HCOOH)?

The correct answer is 1.8 × 10^-4.

In News

• The ionizing constant (Ka) of formic acid (HCOOH) is a measure of its strength as an acid.

Key Points

• The ionizing constant of formic acid is 1.8 × 10^-4.
• A higher Ka value indicates a stronger acid, meaning it dissociates more completely in water.
• Formic acid is a weak acid, hence its Ka value is relatively low compared to strong acids.
• Formic Acid (HCOOH)
  • Also known as methanoic acid.
  • Commonly found in ant venom.
  • Used in various industrial applications, including leather production and preservative.

Additional Information

• Ionizing Constant (Ka)
  • The ionizing constant (Ka) is a quantitative measure of the strength of an acid in solution.
  • It is the equilibrium constant for the dissociation of an acid into its ions in water.
  • Mathematically, Ka = [H⁺][A^-] / [HA], where [H⁺] is the concentration of hydrogen ions, [A^-] is the concentration of the conjugate base, and [HA] is the concentration of the undissociated acid.
• Weak Acids
  • Weak acids partially dissociate in water, meaning not all the acid molecules break apart into ions.
  • They have a Ka value less than 1, indicating their lower strength compared to strong acids.
• Strong Acids
  • Strong acids completely dissociate in water, meaning all the acid molecules break apart into ions.
  • They have a higher Ka value, often much greater than 1.