Monoprotic acids

[Reynaldo Fernandez 3L]

What does an acid being monoprotic have to do with calculating the PH? I know monoprotic acids are weak, but besides being weak, what’s the difference between (specifically in calculating PH) an acid being weak or an acid being monoprotic. Thank you

[Dylan Do]

When an acid is monoprotic it means each atom contains one and can donate one proton.
When an acid is weak it means that the acid's solution will not dissociate all the way. In other words, not all the reactants will convert meaning not all the molecules will dissociate and donate.

As for calculating the pH, pH is determined by amount of H+ in the solution. Weaker acids will result in less H+.

[dylani]

Knowing that something is a monoprotic acid can help you to write the chemical formula for the equation. Monoprotic acids donate one proton, and often follow the structure of HA --> H⁺ + A^-. And from the chemical formula you can derive an expression for the K_A value and use ICE tables to determine the change in concentrations and pH value from that.