Question:
The ionisation constant of an acid, Ka, is the measure of the strength of an acid. The Ka values of acetic acid, hypochlorous acid and formic acid are 1.74 × 10–5, 3.0 × 10–8 and 1.8 × 10–4 respectively. Which of the following orders of pH of 0.1 mol dm–3 solutions of these acids are correct?
(i) acetic acid > hypochlorous acid > formic acid
(ii) hypochlorous acid > acetic acid > formic acid
(iii) formic acid > hypochlorous acid > acetic acid
(iv) formic acid > acetic acid > hypochlorous acid
Solution:
Option (iv) is the answer.