What is the difference between pH and pKa?

pH is the measure of the concentration of proton in an aqueous environment, which is denoted as: pH = -log[H3O+]. pKa however, is prefered when comparing how strong an acid is because it's the pH at which the concentration of the acid and the conjugate base is equal in concentration, which is denoted as: pKa = -log10Kwhere Ka is the acid dissociation constant: K= [H3O+][A-] / [HA]. 

AM
Answered by Anthony M. Chemistry tutor

8096 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

How would you expect the H-NMR spectrum of ethanol to differ from the H-NMR spectrum of ethane?


What shape does XeF4 take?


Would you expect a calcium ion to be bigger, smaller or the same size as a calcium atom? Give TWO reasons to explain your answer.


The reversible reaction of sulfur dioxide and oxygen to form sulfur trioxide is shown below. 2SO2(g) + O2(g) 2SO3(g) An equilibrium mixture contains 2.4mol SO2, 1.2mol O2 and 0.4mol SO3. The total pressure is 250atm. What is the p(SO3)?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning