[H3O+][SO3^2-] / [HSO3-]. [H3O+][SO3^2-] / [HSO3-] By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. Write a net ionic equation for the reaction that occurs, when aqueous solutions of hypochlorous acid and barium hydroxide are combined. Both are acids and in water will ionize into a proton and the conjugate base. Sulphurous Acid Health Hazards It is a toxic, corrosive, and non-combustible compound. Screen capture done with Camtasia Studio 4.0. Darzi, M. and Winchester, J. W., 1981, Marine aerosol composition in the Indian Ocean, Symposium on the Role of the Oceans in Atmospheric Chemistry, IAMAP Third Scientific Assembly, Hamburg, FRG. Recovering from a blunder I made while emailing a professor, Theoretically Correct vs Practical Notation. Your Mobile number and Email id will not be published. What concentration, Consider the following reaction between sulfur trioxide and water: SO_{3 (g)} + H_2O_{(l)} \to H_2SO_{4 (aq)} A chemist allows 61.5 g of SO_3 and 11.2 g of H_2O to react. In fact, a 0.1 M aqueous solution of any strong acid actually contains 0.1 M \(H_3O^+\), regardless of the identity of the strong acid. $$\ce{SO2 + H2O HSO3 + H+}$$. What is the conjugate base of H2SO3? | Socratic A Video Calculating pH in Strong Acid or Strong Base Solutions: Calculating pH in Strong Acid or Strong Base Solutions [youtu.be]. Solved 26) WRITE A BALANCED EQUATION FOR THE | Chegg.com In order to balance H2SO3 = H2O + SO2 you'll need to watch out for two things. What would the numerator be in a Ka equation for hydrofluoric acid? In a situation like this, the best approach is to look for a similar compound whose acidbase properties are listed. Arrhenius dissociation: $$\ce {H2SO4 <=> H+ + HSO4-}~~~~~~~~~~\ce {K_ {a (1)}}=\ce {large}$$ Brnsted-Lowry Dissociation: Write and balance the equation for the reaction of hydrochloric acid (H2SO4) and sodium hydroxide to produce sodium sulfate and water. Why did Ukraine abstain from the UNHRC vote on China? The experimental results have been used to determine the Pitzer interaction parameters for SO2, HSO 3 - and SO 3 - in NaCl solutions. and SO Calculate the number of moles of NaOH that are needed to react with 500.0g of H2SO4 according to the following equation: A standard solution of 0.25 M H2SO4 is used to determine the concentration of a 220 mL LiOH solution. Click Start Quiz to begin! Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. Soc.96, 57015707. Write ionic equations for the hydrolysis reactions. What is the chemical equation for the reaction of hydrobromic acid with aqueous ammonium hydroxide to give aqueous ammonium bromide and water ? It is important to be able to write dissociation equations. Question: write a balanced chemical equation for the first dissociation Because the \(pK_a\) value cited is for a temperature of 25C, we can use Equation \(\ref{16.5.16}\): \(pK_a\) + \(pK_b\) = pKw = 14.00. It is corrosive to metals and tissue. Chem1 Virtual Textbook. The conjugate acidbase pairs are \(NH_4^+/NH_3\) and \(HPO_4^{2}/PO_4^{3}\). The resultant parameters for NaHSO3 and Na2SO3 were found to be in reasonable agreement with the values for NaHSO4 and Na2SO4. Understand the Bronsted-Lowry acid definition, the mechanisms, and see Bronsted-Lowry acid and base conjugate examples. Solution Chem.3, 539546. Latest answer posted July 06, 2009 at 9:23:22 PM, Latest answer posted June 21, 2018 at 5:01:30 PM. This problem has been solved! Goldberg, R. N. and Parker, V. B., 1985, Thermodynamics of solution of SO2 (g) in water and of aqueous sulfur dioxide solutions, J. Res. b. Don't forget the H2O in SO2 on the product side of the chemical equation!Drawing/writing done in Adobe Illustrator 6.0. Conversely, smaller values of \(pK_b\) correspond to larger base ionization constants and hence stronger bases. a (Fe(OH)3)<3%; a (HCl)>70%. Solution Chem.11, 447456. Latest answer posted September 19, 2015 at 9:37:47 PM. Chemical Equation Balancer How many ml of 0.335 M NaOH must be added to react completely with sulfuric aci, What is sulfur's oxidation number in the following reaction? Transcribed Image Text: O ACIDS AND BASES Writing the dissociation reactions of a polyprotic acid Sulfurous acid (H2SO3) is a polyprotic acid. Res.88, 10,72110,732. Given the chemical reaction of H2SO4(aq) +BaCl2(s) to BaSO4(s) + 2HCl(aq). Sulphurous Acid (H2SO3) - Structure, Molecular Mass, Properties - BYJUS Sulfurous acid is not a monoprotic acid. * for the ionization of H2SO3 in marine aerosols. The [H+] = 0.0042M in a 0.10 M solution of formic acid (HCOOH - one ionizable hydrogen.) 2 Calculate \(K_a\) for lactic acid and \(pK_b\) and \(K_b\) for the lactate ion. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00052711. Other examples that you may encounter are potassium hydride (\(KH\)) and organometallic compounds such as methyl lithium (\(CH_3Li\)). Thesulphurous acid is used in the manufacture of fertilizers, pigments, dyes, drugs, explosives, detergents, and inorganic salts and acids, as well as in petroleum refining and metallurgical processes. Shown below are dissociation equations for NaCl, Ca ( NO 3) 2, and ( NH 4) 3 PO 4. What are the reactants in a neutralization reaction? The smaller the Ka, the weaker the acid. How many mL of a 0.0500 M H2SO4 solution are needed to exactly neutralize 33.0 mL of 0.760 M KOH? This is a strong acid in respect of the first dissociation - which is considered to be 100% ( or close to this) H2SO4 (aq) H+ (aq) + HSO4- (aq) Data33, 177184. The equation for this reaction is H_2SO_4(aq) + BaCl_2(aq) + BaSO_4(s) + 2HCl(aq), Balance the following equation: C3H8O (aq) + CrO3 (g) + H2SO4 (aq) Cr2(SO4)3 (aq) + C3H6O(aq) + H2O(l), Write the dissociation equations for the following acids: A. HCl (strong) B. HC2H3O2 (weak). Dissolution of SO2 in water - Chemistry Stack Exchange Because \(pK_a\) = log \(K_a\), we have \(pK_a = \log(1.9 \times 10^{11}) = 10.72\). Dilute sulfuric acid and barium chloride solution react to form barium sulfate. Identify the conjugate acidbase pairs in each reaction. 16.4: Acid Strength and the Acid Dissociation Constant (Ka) As you can see, the bisulfite anion can reform the sulfurous acid by accepting a proton. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. Some measured values of the pH during the titration are given We are looking at the relative strengths of H2S versus H2SO3. From the first dissociation of sulfurous acid we have: HSO(aq) H(aq) + HSO(aq) At equilibrium: 0.50M - x x x. It is corrosive to tissue and metals. Keep in mind, though, that free \(H^+\) does not exist in aqueous solutions and that a proton is transferred to \(H_2O\) in all acid ionization reactions to form hydronium ions, \(H_3O^+\). * and pK Because the stronger acid forms the weaker conjugate base, we predict that cyanide will be a stronger base than propionate. How does NH_4 react with water to form an acidic solution? Since we have a two substances combining, SO2 + H2O = H2SO3 is a Synthesis Reaction (also called a Combination Reaction" reaction). Hoffmann, M. R. and Edwards, J. O., 1975, Kinetics of the oxidation of sulfite by hydrogen peroxide in acid solution, J. Phys. -4 Is the God of a monotheism necessarily omnipotent? J Atmos Chem 8, 377389 (1989). * and pK Write the net ionic equation for the reaction between hypochlorous acid and sodium hydroxide? Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. Linear regulator thermal information missing in datasheet. Hence the ionization equilibrium lies virtually all the way to the right, as represented by a single arrow: \[HCl_{(aq)} + H_2O_{(l)} \rightarrow H_3O^+_{(aq)}+Cl^_{(aq)} \label{16.5.17} \]. What volume of an 18.0 M H2SO4 solution contains 0.85 moles of H2SO4? what is the dissociation reaction of H2SO3 and H2SO4? PO. 0.250 L of 0.430 M H2SO4 is mixed with 0.200 L of 0.200 M KOH. Which acid and base will combine to form calcium sulfate? in NaCl solutions. * of H2SO3 have been determined in NaCl solutions as a function of ionic strength (0.1 to 6 m) and temperature (5 and 25 C). How does H2SO4 dissociate? - Chemistry Stack Exchange Because of the use of negative logarithms, smaller values of \(pK_a\) correspond to larger acid ionization constants and hence stronger acids. The extrapolated values in water were found to be in good agreement with literature data. How would one make 250 mL of 0.75 M H_2SO_4 solution from a 17 M H_2SO_4 solution? and SO Learn more about the Structure, physical and chemical properties of H2SO3 from the experts at BYJUS. HA Acta48, 723751. Use MathJax to format equations. For the following reaction, 23.4 grams of sulfur dioxide are allowed to react with 10.7 grams of water. Use the relationships pK = log K and K = 10pK (Equations \(\ref{16.5.11}\) and \(\ref{16.5.13}\)) to convert between \(K_a\) and \(pK_a\) or \(K_b\) and \(pK_b\). It is an intermediate species for producing acid rain from sulphur dioxide (SO2). Acta52, 20472051. Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. Eng. 2nd Equiv Point (pH= 10.1 ; mL NaOH = 200) Balanced equation of zinc carbonate + nitric acid = zinc nitrate + carbon dioxide + water. Solution Chem.15, 9891002. Sulphurous Acid is used as an intermediate in industries. Our summaries and analyses are written by experts, and your questions are answered by real teachers. [1] The conjugate bases of this elusive acid are, however, common anions, bisulfite (or hydrogen sulfite) and sulfite. Created by Yuki Jung. What is the maximum amount of sulfurous acid (H2SO3) that can be formed? Just like water, HSO4 can therefore act as either an acid or a base, depending on whether the other reactant is a stronger acid or a stronger base. The relative order of acid strengths and approximate \(K_a\) and \(pK_a\) values for the strong acids at the top of Table \(\PageIndex{1}\) were determined using measurements like this and different nonaqueous solvents. The equations above are called acid dissociation equations. Balance the chemical equation. Identify the Bronsted acids for the following equilibrium: HClO_{4}(aq) + H_{2}O(l) H_{3}O+(aq) + ClO_{4} (aq) \\ - HClO and HO \\ - HO and ClO \\ - HClO and HO. Give the net ionic equation for the reaction that occurs when aqueous solutions of H_2SO_4 and KOH are mixed. Calculate \(K_a\) and \(pK_a\) of the dimethylammonium ion (\((CH_3)_2NH_2^+\)). We also acknowledge previous National Science Foundation support under grant numbers 1246120, 1525057, and 1413739. The equations for that are below. ions and pK What is the formula for salt produced from the neutralization reaction between sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide? 2nd What does the reaction between strontium hydroxide and chloric acid produce? Millero, F. J. and Thurmond, V., 1983, The ionization of carbonic acid in NaMgCl solutions at 25 C, J. Because the initial quantity given is \(K_b\) rather than \(pK_b\), we can use Equation \(\ref{16.5.10}\): \(K_aK_b = K_w\). Clathrate appears only at low temperatures, near $0$C, and relatively high pressures. S + O_2 \rightarrow SO_2, For the titration of sulfuric acid (H_2SO_4) with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), how many moles of sodium hydroxide would be required to react with. where the net photolysis of gaseous sulfurous acid (in addition to SO2) likely proceeds as follows: $\ce{H2SO3 (g) + hv -> .OH (g) + .HOSO (g) }$. Ba (OH)2 (aq)+H2SO4 (aq) Express your answer as a chemical . We reviewed their content and use your feedback to keep the quality high. Used in the manufacturing of paper products. -3 Am. Calculate Ka1 and Ka2 Hence this equilibrium also lies to the left: \[H_2O_{(l)} + NH_{3(aq)} \ce{ <<=>} NH^+_{4(aq)} + OH^-_{(aq)} \nonumber \]. What is the cation reaction with water, cation K_a, anion reaction with water, anion K_b, acidic base prediction, and pH of solution of sodium sulfate? SOLVED: Sulfurous acid, H2SO3, has two dissociation constants, Ki = 1.7 NaOH. All acidbase equilibria favor the side with the weaker acid and base. 15.8: Dissociation - Chemistry LibreTexts Article 2003-2023 Chegg Inc. All rights reserved. Sulfuric acid is a colourless oily liquid. How can you determine whether an equation is endothermic or exothermic? Chem.77, 23002308. However my text book states that it forms clathrate $\ce{SO2.6H2O}$ when dissolved in water, and can significantly exist as $\ce{H+ + HSO3-}$. eNotes.com will help you with any book or any question. Cosmochim. rev2023.3.3.43278. Aqueous sulfuric acid reacts with solid sodium hydroxide to produce aqueous sodium sulfate and liquid water. Acid Dissociation Constant Definition: Ka - ThoughtCo The equilibrium constant for this dissociation is as follows: K = [H3O +][A ] [H2O][HA] As we noted earlier, because water is the solvent, it has an activity equal to 1, so the [H2O] term in Equation 16.4.2 is actually the aH2O, which is equal to 1. HI + KMnO4 + H2SO4 arrow I2 + MnSO4 + K2SO4 + H2O. Cosmochim. Kim, H.-T. and FrederickJr., W. J., 1988, Evaluation of Pitzer ion interaction parameters of aqueous electrolytes at 25 C, I. S + HNO3 --%3E H2SO4 + NO2 + H2O. What type of reaction occurs during an acid-base titration. * in artificial seawater were found to be in good agreement with the calculated values using the derived Pitzer parameters. What is the formula mass of sulfuric acid? Pitzer, K. S. and Mayorga, G., 1973, Thermodynamics of electrolytes. Sulfurous acid, H2SO3, dissociates in water in Morgan, R. S., 1961, Activity coefficients of sodium sulfite in aqueous solution at 25 C, J. Chem. Consequently, aqueous solutions of acetic acid contain mostly acetic acid molecules in equilibrium with a small concentration of \(H_3O^+\) and acetate ions, and the ionization equilibrium lies far to the left, as represented by these arrows: \[ \ce{ CH_3CO_2H_{(aq)} + H_2O_{(l)} <<=> H_3O^+_{(aq)} + CH_3CO_{2(aq)}^- } \nonumber \]. Thus nitric acid should properly be written as \(HONO_2\). Example #2 (Complex) P 4 + O 2 = 2P 2 O 5 This equation is not balanced because there is an unequal amount of O's on both sides of the equation. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. The hydrogen sulfate ion (\(HSO_4^\)) is both the conjugate base of \(H_2SO_4\) and the conjugate acid of \(SO_4^{2}\). ACID = HI / H2SO3 / H2C2O4 BASE = Sr (OH)3 / LiOH SALT = BaF2 / KNO3 / NH4NO3 Classify the compounds as acids, bases, or salts. 2023 eNotes.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved, https://www.scribd.com/doc/3274102/table-Ka-pKa. The equilibrium constant is a way to measure what percentage of each acid is in the dissociated state (products) versus the associated state (reactant). Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content: Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article. Equiv Pt - HI - H2SO3 - LiOH - BaF2 - H2C2O4 - KNO3 - Sr (OH)3 - NH4NO3 STRONG ACIDS = HNO3 & HI WEAK ACIDS = H3PO4 & HF STRONG BASES = KOH & Ba (OH)3 WEAK BASES = NH3 Find the mass of barium sulfate that is recoverable. The larger the \(K_b\), the stronger the base and the higher the \(OH^\) concentration at equilibrium. acid base - What are the products of the dissociation of sodium What forms when hydrochloric acid and potassium sulfite react? Thus acid strength decreases with the loss of subsequent protons, and, correspondingly, the \(pK_a\) increases. B.) copyright 2003-2023 Homework.Study.com. * for the dissociation of H2S in various media, Geochim. Acidbase reactions always contain two conjugate acidbase pairs. Millero, F. J., 1983, The estimation of the pK Cattell, F. C. R., Scott, W. D., and Du, Cross, D., 1977, Chemical composition of aerosol particles greater than 1 m diameter in the vicinity of Tasmania, J. Geophys. Because \(pK_b = \log K_b\), \(K_b\) is \(10^{9.17} = 6.8 \times 10^{10}\). -3 What is acid dissociation reaction for CH_3CO_2H? Sulfur dioxide is fairly soluble in water, and by both IR and Raman spectroscopy; the hypothetical sulfurous acid, $\ce{H2SO3}$, is not present to any extent. What is the dissociation reaction of {eq}\rm H_2SO_3 What are the four basic functions of a computer system? The experimental results have been used to determine the Pitzer interaction parameters for SO2, HSO A.) Stephen Lower, Professor Emeritus (Simon Fraser U.) Sulfurous acid, H 2 SO 3, is a diprotic acid K a1 = 1.3 10-2 and K a2 = 6.3 10-8.The acid forms when sulfur dioxide (a gas with a suffocating odor) dissolves in water. How to match a specific column position till the end of line? Sulfurous acid, H2SO3, has two dissociation constants, Ki = 1.7 X 10-2, and Kz = 6.0 x 10 8. two steps: Substituting the values of \(K_b\) and \(K_w\) at 25C and solving for \(K_a\), \[K_a(5.4 \times 10^{4})=1.01 \times 10^{14} \nonumber \]. What is the molecular mass of sulfuric acid? {/eq}. Answered: Sulfurous acid, H2SO3, is a diprotic | bartleby What type of reaction is a neutralization reaction? Then refer to Tables \(\PageIndex{1}\)and\(\PageIndex{2}\) and Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\) to determine which is the stronger acid and base. Unfortunately, however, the formulas of oxoacids are almost always written with hydrogen on the left and oxygen on the right, giving \(HNO_3\) instead. In the Brnsted-Lowry definition of acids and bases, a conjugate acid-base pair consists of two substances that differ only by the presence of a proton (H). -3 What is the dissociation constant of ammonium perchlorate? what is the Ka? Harvie, C. E., Moller, N., and Weare, J. H., 1984, The prediction of mineral solubilities in natural waters: the NaKMgCaHClSO4OHHCO3CO3CO2H20 systems to high ionic strengths at 25 C, Geochim. Is it suspicious or odd to stand by the gate of a GA airport watching the planes? - 85.214.46.134. \[HA_{(aq)} \rightleftharpoons H^+_{(aq)}+A^_{(aq)} \label{16.5.3} \]. The Brnsted-Lowry definition of acidity is based on the transfer of protons from a Brnsted acid to another molecule (usually water). When the equation below is balanced and all coefficients are reduced to the lowest whole number, what is the sum of all coefficients? To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. How would you prepare a 0.250 L of 0.80 mol/L sulfuric acids, from an 18 mol/L concentrated solution of sulfuric acid? This is called a neutralization reaction and will produce water and potassium sulfate. Some measured values of the pH during the titration are given 7.1, 7.6, 10.1, below. For example, nitrous acid (\(HNO_2\)), with a \(pK_a\) of 3.25, is about a million times stronger acid than hydrocyanic acid (HCN), with a \(pK_a\) of 9.21. A. and Riley, J. P., 1979, Solubility of sulfur dioxide in distilled water and decarbonated sea water, J. Chem. Notice the inverse relationship between the strength of the parent acid and the strength of the conjugate base. The balanced chemical equation for the dissociation of both acid in water is given below: Sulfurous Acid: H2SO3(aq)+H2O(l) HSO 3(aq)+H3O+(aq) HSO 3(aq)+H2O(l) SO2 3 +H3O+(aq) H 2 S O 3. Which type of reaction happens when a base is mixed with an acid? Similarly, Equation \(\ref{16.5.10}\), which expresses the relationship between \(K_a\) and \(K_b\), can be written in logarithmic form as follows: The values of \(pK_a\) and \(pK_b\) are given for several common acids and bases in Tables \(\PageIndex{1}\) and \(\PageIndex{2}\), respectively, and a more extensive set of data is provided in Tables E1 and E2. Google Scholar. HSO3- + H2O <---> H3O+ + SO3^2- ; Ka2 = Diprotic and Triprotic Acids and Bases - Purdue University What are the major and minor products of 2-methylcyclopentanol reacting with concentrated H2SO4? How many grams of sulfuric acid would be needed to make 2.5 x 102 mL of a 0.100 M H2SO4 solution? ncdu: What's going on with this second size column? Write a net ionic equation for the reaction that occurs when aqueous solutions of perchloric acid and ammonia are combined. NaOH. Acta47, 21212129. H2SO3 (aq] H+ (aq] +HSO 3 (aq] The compound left behind after sulfurous acid donates its first acidic hydrogen is called the bisulfite anion, HSO 3. Done on a Microsoft Surface Pro 3. It is, thus, possible to make reasonable estimates of the activity coefficients of HSO HA + H2O H3O + + A-If Ka < 10-3 and both [HA] init and [A-] init are > 10-3 M, then [HA] eq [HA]init and [A-] eq [A-] init. First, be sure. (Factorization), Identify those arcade games from a 1983 Brazilian music video. Thus propionic acid should be a significantly stronger acid than \(HCN\). Consider \(H_2SO_4\), for example: \[HSO^_{4 (aq)} \ce{ <=>>} SO^{2}_{4(aq)}+H^+_{(aq)} \;\;\; pK_a=-2 \nonumber \]. Which of the salts hydrolyze in aqueous solution: CaSO4, (NH4)2CO3, or Al2S3? pH------ 1.4, 1.8, To know the relationship between acid or base strength and the magnitude of \(K_a\), \(K_b\), \(pK_a\), and \(pK_b\). According to Table \(\PageIndex{1}\), HCN is a weak acid (pKa = 9.21) and \(CN^\) is a moderately weak base (pKb = 4.79). The equilibrium constant for this reaction is the base ionization constant (Kb), also called the base dissociation constant: \[K_b= \frac{[BH^+][OH^]}{[B]} \label{16.5.5} \]. Measurements of pK 1st Equiv Point (pH= 7.1; mL NaOH= 100). Determine the. Does Nucleophilic substitution require water to happen? 7.5: Aqueous Solutions - Chemistry LibreTexts At 25C, \(pK_a + pK_b = 14.00\). What is the name of the salt produced from the reaction of calcium hydroxide and sulfuric acid? Select the correct answer and click on the Finish buttonCheck your score and answers at the end of the quiz, Visit BYJUS for all Chemistry related queries and study materials, Your Mobile number and Email id will not be published. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. What is the concentration of OH. What is the theoretical yield of sodium sulfate formed from the reaction of 42.2 g of sulfu. Inhaling, ingesting or skin contact with Sulphur dioxide solution causes severe injury which leads to death. According to Tables \(\PageIndex{1}\) and \(\PageIndex{2}\), \(NH_4^+\) is a stronger acid (\(pK_a = 9.25\)) than \(HPO_4^{2}\) (pKa = 12.32), and \(PO_4^{3}\) is a stronger base (\(pK_b = 1.68\)) than \(NH_3\) (\(pK_b = 4.75\)). We can use the relative strengths of acids and bases to predict the direction of an acidbase reaction by following a single rule: an acidbase equilibrium always favors the side with the weaker acid and base, as indicated by these arrows: \[\text{stronger acid + stronger base} \ce{ <=>>} \text{weaker acid + weaker base} \nonumber \]. , NH3 (g), NHO3 (g), Atmos. Already a member? How do you ensure that a red herring doesn't violate Chekhov's gun? Thus the conjugate base of a strong acid is a very weak base, and the conjugate base of a very weak acid is a strong base. For example, hydrochloric acid is a strong acid that ionizes essentially completely in dilute aqueous solution to produce \(H_3O^+\) and \(Cl^\); only negligible amounts of \(HCl\) molecules remain undissociated. Polyprotic acids (and bases) lose (and gain) protons in a stepwise manner, with the fully protonated species being the strongest acid and the fully deprotonated species the strongest base. Pitzer, K. S., 1979, Theory: ion interaction approach, in R. M., Pytkowicz (ed. Asked for: corresponding \(K_b\) and \(pK_b\), \(K_a\) and \(pK_a\). Sulfurous acid is a corrosive chemical and The leveling effect applies to solutions of strong bases as well: In aqueous solution, any base stronger than OH is leveled to the strength of OH because OH is the strongest base that can exist in equilibrium with water.