alleryStart learning →In a solution of a weak acid, which species is present in the greatest concentration?
AThe nonionized acid itself
BThe hydronium ion produced
CThe conjugate base produced
DThe hydroxide ion produced
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. The nonionized acid itself
1. A weak acid solution is a mixture of nonionized acid, hydronium ion and conjugate base.
2. Because ionization is slight, most of the acid never comes apart.
3. So the nonionized acid is present in the greatest concentration of the three.
4. Measuring the pH of a known concentration shows only a fraction has ionized.
_Source: OpenStax Chemistry (CC BY 4.0), Ch 14 "Acid-Base Equilibria", section The Ionization of Weak Acids and Weak Bases_
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