Chemistry · EQUILIBRIUM

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): At \( 298\text{ K} \), the sum of \( \text{p}K_a \) and \( \text{p}K_b \) for any conjugate acid-base pair is equal to 14. Reason (R): The product of the acid dissociation constant (\( K_a \)) and the base dissociation constant (\( K_b \)) of a conjugate pair equals the ionic product of water (\( K_w \)). In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
2. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
3. (A) is true but (R) is false.
4. (A) is false but (R) is true.