What is the significance of larger values of the acid dissociation constant (Ka)?

Larger values of the acid dissociation constant (Ka) are significant because they indicate stronger acids. The acid dissociation constant is a quantitative measure of the strength of an acid in solution. It reflects the extent to which an acid can dissociate into its conjugate base and hydrogen ions (H⁺) in a given equilibrium reaction. A higher Ka value means that a greater proportion of the acid has dissociated into its ions, which demonstrates a stronger tendency to donate protons to the solution. This is why the correct answer highlights the relationship between higher Ka values and stronger acids, as it is a direct indication of the acid's ability to ionize in water effectively.

In contrast, weaker bases and neutral solutions do not relate directly to the magnitude of Ka in the context of acids; rather, they focus on different concepts. Additionally, while temperature can affect Ka values, a larger Ka value does not inherently indicate a higher temperature; it is a property of the acid itself. The focus on stronger acids and their dissociation characteristics is the key understanding here.