What is pKa? Understanding the Meaning and Importance of this Term

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pKa is defined as -log(Ka), where Ka represents the acid dissociation constant. This concept is similar to pH and pOH, which also use the logarithmic scale. The pKa value indicates the strength of an acid; lower pKa values signify stronger acids. Additionally, pKa can be applied in contexts like pKsp, which refers to the solubility product. Understanding pKa is crucial for predicting acid-base behavior in chemical reactions.
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What does "pKa" mean?

Just need to double check, pKa means -log(Ka) right? Or does it mean log(Ka)?
 
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Yes, -log. Just like in pH, pOH. Also often pKsp (solubility product).
 


Borek said:
Yes, -log. Just like in pH, pOH. Also often pKsp (solubility product).

Thanks!
 

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