Lactic Acid Is a Major Component of Ringer's Solution, Which

Multiple Choice

Lactic acid is a major component of Ringer's solution, which is used as an intravenous fluid to maintain fluid balance in trauma patients. The pH of a 0.100 M lactic acid solution is around 2.44. Based on this information, determine the value of the acid ionization constant, K_a, for lactic acid.

A) 1.2  10^2
B) 1.4  10^4
C) 4.7  10^3
D) 1.8  10^4
E) 7.4  10^3