What does a high value of Ka indicate about an acid?

Prepare for the ACS Inorganic Chemistry Exam. Study using flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations.

A high value of the acid dissociation constant (Ka) signifies that the acid is strong and reaches a state of significant ionization in solution. When Ka is large, it indicates that the equilibrium position of the dissociation reaction strongly favors the formation of the products (H⁺ ions and the conjugate base). Therefore, a strong acid with a high Ka value dissociates completely, or nearly completely, in water, releasing a substantial amount of H⁺ ions into the solution.

In contrast, a low Ka value would suggest that the acid does not ionize significantly, which aligns with the characteristics of weak acids that only partially dissociate in solution. Hence, an acid with a high Ka value is indicative of substantial ionization and is categorized as a strong acid.

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