Chemistry: Atoms First (2nd Edition)

Published by Cengage Learning
ISBN 10: 1305079248
ISBN 13: 978-1-30507-924-3

Chapter 13 - Questions - Page 575a: 22

Answer

Because stronger acids and bases would completely dissociate in water.

Work Step by Step

If we have some acid, $HA$, with $K_a$ greater than $H_3O^+$, this reaction will completely occur: $HA(aq) + H_2O(l) -- \gt A^-(aq) + H_3O^+(aq)$ The same thing would happen for a base with $K_b$ greater than the $OH^-$. If the reaction completely occurs, the compound will no longer exist in water.
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