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

Prepare for the ACS Inorganic Chemistry Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

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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