Related Formula
α = λmλm∞$$\alpha = \frac{\lambda_m}{\lambda_m^{\infty}}$$
Kₐ C α² (for α ll 1)$$K_a \simeq C \alpha^2 \quad (\text{for } \alpha \ll 1)$$
Core Logic
For weak acid HQ:
α₁ = λm(HQ)λm∞(HQ)$\alpha_1 = \frac{\lambda_m(\mathrm{HQ})}{\lambda_m^{\infty}(\mathrm{HQ})}$
Kₐ(HQ) = C₁ α₁² = 0.18 ( λm(HQ)λm∞(HQ))²$K_a(\mathrm{HQ}) = C_1 \alpha_1^2 = 0.18 \left(\frac{\lambda_m(\mathrm{HQ})}{\lambda_m^{\infty}(\mathrm{HQ})}\right)^2$
For weak acid HZ:
α₂ = λm(HZ)λm∞(HZ)$\alpha_2 = \frac{\lambda_m(\mathrm{HZ})}{\lambda_m^{\infty}(\mathrm{HZ})}$
Kₐ(HZ) = C₂ α₂² = 0.02 ( λm(HZ)λm∞(HZ))²$K_a(\mathrm{HZ}) = C_2 \alpha_2^2 = 0.02 \left(\frac{\lambda_m(\mathrm{HZ})}{\lambda_m^{\infty}(\mathrm{HZ})}\right)^2$
Step 1: Evaluate Ratios
Since limiting molar conductivities of anions λQ^-⁰$\lambda_{\mathrm{Q}^-}^0$ and λZ^-⁰$\lambda_{\mathrm{Z}^-}^0$ are equal, and both have H^+$H^+$ as the cation:
λm∞(HQ) = λm∞(HZ)$\lambda_m^{\infty}(\mathrm{HQ}) = \lambda_m^{\infty}(\mathrm{HZ})$
Take the ratio of their ionization constants:
Kₐ(HQ)Kₐ(HZ) = (C₁)/(C₂) · [ λm(HQ)λm(HZ) ]²$$\frac{K_a(\mathrm{HQ})}{K_a(\mathrm{HZ})} = \frac{C_1}{C_2} \cdot \left[ \frac{\lambda_m(\mathrm{HQ})}{\lambda_m(\mathrm{HZ})} \right]^2$$
We are given λm(HQ) = (1)/(30) λm(HZ)$\lambda_m(\mathrm{HQ}) = \frac{1}{30} \lambda_m(\mathrm{HZ})$, so the ratio inside the bracket is (1)/(30)$\frac{1}{30}$.
Kₐ(HQ)Kₐ(HZ) = (0.18)/(0.02) × ((1)/(30))²$$\frac{K_a(\mathrm{HQ})}{K_a(\mathrm{HZ})} = \frac{0.18}{0.02} \times \left(\frac{1}{30}\right)^2$$
Kₐ(HQ)Kₐ(HZ) = 9 × (1)/(900) = (1)/(100)$$\frac{K_a(\mathrm{HQ})}{K_a(\mathrm{HZ})} = 9 \times \frac{1}{900} = \frac{1}{100}$$
Step 2: Logarithmic Difference
Taking the negative logarithm on both sides:
- ( Kₐ(HQ)Kₐ(HZ)) = - (10⁻²)$$-\log\left(\frac{K_a(\mathrm{HQ})}{K_a(\mathrm{HZ})}\right) = -\log(10^{-2})$$
pKₐ(HQ) - pKₐ(HZ) = 2$$pK_a(\mathrm{HQ}) - pK_a(\mathrm{HZ}) = 2$$
Pattern Recognition
When λₐₙᵢₒₙ⁰$\lambda_{\text{anion}}^0$ is identical for both acids, λm^∞$\lambda_m^\infty$ cancels out entirely in comparative ratios. Use Kₐ = C · (λm / λm^∞)²$K_a = C \cdot (\lambda_m / \lambda_m^\infty)^2$ directly.
Chapter Mix
Class 12 Chemistry: Electrochemistry
Class 11 Chemistry: Equilibrium