Question:medium

An organic monobasic acid has dissociation constant \(1.96\times 10^{-8}\). What is its percentage dissociation in \(0.01\) M solution ?

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For a weak acid alpha = sqrt(Ka/C). Then multiply by 100.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2026
  • \(1.40\,\%\)
  • \(0.14\,\%\)
  • \(2.4\,\%\)
  • \(0.19\,\%\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Find the hydrogen ion concentration:
$[\text{H}^+] = \sqrt{K_aC} = \sqrt{1.96\times10^{-8}\times10^{-2}} = \sqrt{1.96\times10^{-10}} = 1.4\times10^{-5}$ M.

Step 2: Divide by the initial concentration:
$\alpha = [\text{H}^+]/C = 1.4\times10^{-5}/10^{-2} = 1.4\times10^{-3}$.

Step 3: Convert to percentage:
$1.4\times10^{-3}\times100 = 0.14\%$.

Step 4: Check:
Since $\alpha \ll 1$ the weak-acid approximation holds. The choice 1.40 % is exactly ten times larger, which would be the result if $K_a$ were $1.96\times10^{-6}$.

Final Answer:
Percentage dissociation $= 0.14\%$, option (B). \[ \boxed{0.14\,\% \text{ (B)}} \]
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