The Ka of a monoprotic weak acid is 6.58x10-3. What is the percent ionization of a 0.173 M solution of this acid?
I know I have to use the quadratic equation for this, but I'm shaky on the math. I particularly need help on arranging the numbers into the quadratic.
I got it to x^2+6.58x10^-3x-.00113834

Question

The Ka of a monoprotic weak acid is 6.58x10-3. What is the percent ionization of a 0.173 M solution of this acid?
I know I have to use the quadratic equation for this, but I'm shaky on the math. I particularly need help on arranging the numbers into the quadratic. 
I got it to x^2+6.58x10^-3x-.00113834

matt101 · Answer

For the quadratic formula:

a=1
b=0.00658
c=0.00113834

Also I'm assuming you have the correct expression there (I haven't worked through the problem myself).

jfraser · Answer

instead of jumping to the quadratic equation, can you set up a ICE table to show where the pieces come from first? That will help, I think