Chemistry: The Molecular Science (5th Edition)

Published by Cengage Learning
ISBN 10: 1285199049
ISBN 13: 978-1-28519-904-7

Chapter 14 - Acids and Bases - Conceptual Exercise 14.11 - Acid Strengths - Page 625: b

Answer

Lactic acid's ionization reaction is more reactant-favored.

Work Step by Step

If we analyze the $K_a$ expression: $K_a = \frac{[Products]}{[Reactants]}$ We will see that, the Ka is inversely proportional to the concentration of the reactants in equlibrium. Therefore, the acid with the lower Ka, will be more reactant-favored.
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