Question

Assertion :Assertion : Higher order ionization constants $(K_{a_2},K_{a_3})$ are smaller than the lower order ionization constant $K_{a_1}$ of polyprotic acid. Reason: Reason : Polyprotic acid solutions contain a mixture of acids.

• A. If both the assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
• B. If both the assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
• C. If assertion is true but reason is false
• D. If both assertion and reason are false.

Answer 1

The correct option is B If both the assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.

The reason for smaller values of higher order ionization constants is that it is more difficult to remove a positively charged proton from a negative ion due to electrostatic forces.