The ionisation constant of an acid, Ka , is the measure of strength of an acid. The Ka values of acetic acid, hypochlorous acid and formic acid are 1.74 × 10–5, 3.0 × 10–8 and 1.8 × 10–4 respectively. Which of the following orders of pH of 0.1 mol dm–3 solutions of these acids is correct?
1
acetic acid > hypochlorous acid > formic acid
2
hypochlorous acid > acetic acid > formic acid
3
formic acid > hypochlorous acid > acetic acid
4
formic acid > acetic acid > hypochlorous acid