Phosphoric acid ionizes in three steps with their ionization constant values $K_{a_1}, K_{a_2}$ and $K_{a_3}$, respectively, while K is the overall ionization constant. Which of the following statements are true? A. $\log K = \log K_{a_1} + \log K_{a_2} + \log K_{a_3}$ B. $H_3PO_4$ is stronger acid than $H_2PO_4^-$ and $HPO_4^{2-}$. C. $K_{a_1} K_{a_2} K_{a_3}$ D. $K_{a_1} = \frac{K_{a_3} + K_{a_2}}{2}$ Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Question

Phosphoric acid ionizes in three steps with their ionization constant values $K_{a_1}, K_{a_2}$ and $K_{a_3}$, respectively, while K is the overall ionization constant. Which of the following statements are true? A. $\log K = \log K_{a_1} + \log K_{a_2} + \log K_{a_3}$ B. $H_3PO_4$ is stronger acid than $H_2PO_4^-$ and $HPO_4^{2-}$. C. $K_{a_1} > K_{a_2} > K_{a_3}$ D. $K_{a_1} = \frac{K_{a_3} + K_{a_2}}{2}$ Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Dr. Abubacker · Accepted Answer

[Solution by Claude - not from source] $K=K_{a_1}K_{a_2}K_{a_3}$, so A is true. Each successive ionization is harder, so $K_{a_1}>K_{a_2}>K_{a_3}$ (C true) and $H_3PO_4$ is the strongest acid of the three (B true). D is false. Answer (4).

Explanation

Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

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