Acid/Base EK1001 #782

[idkididk]

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I don't really like the explanation the book is giving me, so can someone tell me if my thought process is correct?

Question: http://imgur.com/UTuQeBN
Answer: http://imgur.com/vSJ2WZ1

So since pKa and Ka have a -log relationship, higher Ka's mean lower pKa's. Since Ka is the equilibrium constant of disassociation, higher Ka's (lower pKa's) mean the reaction will proceed forward more. Therefore, since HC2H3O2 has the lower pKa, it will disassociate more than HCN, so there will be more HCN than HC2H3O2 at equilibrium. Answer choice C.

 

[idkididk]

Oops double post

 

[lumpyduster]

Yeah I follow your thought process and agree! I just ask myself which is the better acid because that's the one that's going to be the most deprotonated. Whatever works 🙂