The formula for the acid dissociation constant (Ka) is represented as?

Prepare for the UofT BCH210H1 Biochemistry I midterm with exam-like questions. Access detailed solutions and explanations for proteins, lipids, and metabolism topics. Strengthen your understanding and excel on test day!

The acid dissociation constant (Ka) is a measure of the strength of an acid in solution, and it represents the equilibrium between the dissociated and undissociated forms of the acid. The correct representation of the Ka formula is given by the equation where Ka equals the product of the concentrations of the hydrogen ions [H+] and the conjugate base [A-], divided by the concentration of the undissociated acid [HA].

This reflects the equilibrium expression for the dissociation of a weak acid (HA) into its ions:

HA ⇌ H+ + A-

At equilibrium, the concentrations of the species can be expressed in terms of their molarity. Thus, the equation correctly captures the balance between the products (H+ and A-) and the reactant (HA) in a way that allows us to quantify the dissociation of the acid. As a consequence, this relationship is essential for calculating the pH of the solution and understanding the behavior of acids in biochemical contexts.

This makes the formula crucial for various applications in biochemistry, including understanding enzyme functions, metabolic processes, and biochemical equilibrium systems.

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