Ostwald's dilution law is generally valid only when is sufficiently small. What is the standard thre — Ionic Equilibrium Chemistry Question
Question
Ostwald's dilution law $\alpha = \sqrt{K_a/C}$ is generally valid only when $\alpha$ is sufficiently small. What is the standard threshold limit for $\alpha$ above which the full quadratic equation must be solved?
Answer: B
💡 Solution & Explanation
The approximation $1 - \alpha \approx 1$ is statistically acceptable for weak electrolytes when $\alpha$ is 5% (0.05) or less. Above this, the exact formula $K_a = C\alpha^2 / (1-\alpha)$ is required.
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