Answer:
Explanation:
Kₐ and pKₐ are measures of the strength of an acid. For example,
HX + H₂O ⇌ H₃O⁺ + X⁻; Kₐ = 10¹⁰, pKₐ = -10
HA + H₂O ⇌ H₃O⁺ + A⁻; Kₐ = 10⁻¹⁰, pKₐ = 10
HX is a strong acid, because it has a larger Kₐ, that is, the position of equilibrium lies far to the right.
However, pKₐ is the negative logarithm of Kₐ, so HX has the smaller pKₐ.
Similarly, Ha is a weak acid, but it has the larger pKₐ.
Strong acid: Large Kₐ ⇔ Low pKₐ
Weak acid: Small Kₐ ⇔ High pKₐ
A is wrong. HA is a weak acid, so it produces only a few hydronium ions.
B is correct. The rate of corrosion depends on the concentration of hydronium ions. HA is a weak acid, so it is less corrosive than an acid with a small pKₐ.
C is wrong. HX is a strong acid, so there are more ions to carry the current. HX will be a good conductor of electricity.
D is wrong. HX is a strong acid, so it provides more hydronium ions and is more corrosive.
E is wrong. HX is a strong acid, so it provides more hydronium ions to stimulate the taste buds.