calculating the Ka value for lactic acid.?
Lactic acid, HC3H5O3, builds up in human muscles during anaerobic exercise. If the initial concentration of lactic acid is 0.12 M and the pH is 2.39, calculate the Ka value for lactic acid.
Lactic acid, HC3H5O3, builds up in human muscles during anaerobic exercise. If the initial concentration of lactic acid is 0.12 M and the pH is 2.39, calculate the Ka value for lactic acid.
hcbiochem
HLa <--> H+ + La-
Ka = [H+][La-]/[HLa]
From the pH, [H+] = 10^-2.39 = 4.07X10^-3
[H+] = [La-]
Ka = (4.07X10^-3)^2 / 0.12 = 1.4X10^-4