Ostwald dilution law (weak electrolyte) (Ka = C α²/(1−α); if α << 1, Ka ≈ C α²)
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Ka = C α²/(1−α); if α << 1, Ka ≈ C α²
What each symbol means
| Symbol | What it stands for |
|---|---|
| C | Initial concentration of weak electrolyte (mol L⁻¹) |
| α | Degree of dissociation / ionisation |
| K_a | Ionisation constant |
When to use this
Single-step weak acid/base in water; dilute solution; for α small, √(Ka/C) works.