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A lowercase p before a capital K with an a subscript.
Also known as: pKa, Acid strength index, Negative log Ka
pKa is minus the logarithm of Ka, and the lowercase p is an operator meaning exactly that — the same p as in pH. A lower pKa means a stronger acid, which is the sign reversal that catches people out.
Denotes the negative base-ten logarithm of the acid dissociation constant.
Contexts: Laboratory
Runs the opposite way to acid strength: a lower pKa means a stronger acid, because of the negative sign in the logarithm.
Contexts: Laboratory
Uses the same p operator as pH, pOH and pKw, which in every case means 'minus the base-ten logarithm of'.
Contexts: Laboratory
Equals the pH at which an acid is exactly half dissociated, which is the fact that makes buffer calculation quick.
Contexts: Laboratory
A lowercase letter p set before a capital K, with a small lowercase a below and to the right of the K.