Chemistry / Unit 10 Chem 1841 short lesson, about 20 seconds
The Ka–Kb Relationship for a Conjugate Pair
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The idea
For any conjugate pair, Ka times Kb equals Kw, so a stronger conjugate acid always pairs with a weaker conjugate base.
In practice
Acetic acid's Ka near 10⁻⁵ and acetate's Kb near 10⁻¹⁰ multiply to about Kw, 10⁻¹⁴.
Where people slip
A weak acid's conjugate base is not automatically strong; only a true conjugate pair's Ka and Kb multiply to Kw.
Your place on the trail
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