Chapter 7: Problem 9
The \(\mathrm{pH}\) of a \(0.02 \mathrm{M} \mathrm{NH}_{4} \mathrm{Cl}\) solution will be [given \(\mathrm{K}_{\mathrm{b}}\left(\mathrm{NH}_{4} \mathrm{OH}\right)=10^{-5}\) and \(\log 2=0.301]\) (a) \(2.65\) (b) \(4.35\) (c) \(4.65\) (d) \(5.35\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The pH of \(0.02 \mathrm{M} \mathrm{NH}_{4} \mathrm{Cl}\) is approximately \(5.85\) (not listed among the options).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the problem
We are given a solution of the salt \(\text{NH}_4\text{Cl}\), which is derived from the weak base \(\text{NH}_4\text{OH}\). We're required to find its \(\text{pH}\). Given \(K_b(\text{NH}_4\text{OH}) = 10^{-5}\), we can find \(K_a(\text{NH}_4^+)\) to work with the acidic nature of the solution.
02
Calculate the acid dissociation constant \(K_a\)
Use the relation between \(K_w\), \(K_a\), and \(K_b\): \[ K_w = K_a \cdot K_b \] where \(K_w = 10^{-14}\). Thus, \(K_a = \frac{10^{-14}}{10^{-5}} = 10^{-9}.\)
03
Set up the equilibrium expression for \(\text{NH}_4^+\)
For the dissociation of \(\text{NH}_4^+\): \[ \text{NH}_4^+ \leftrightarrow \text{NH}_3 + \text{H}^+ \] The equilibrium expression is: \[ K_a = \frac{[\text{NH}_3][\text{H}^+]}{[\text{NH}_4^+]} = 10^{-9} \] Assuming \([\text{H}^+] = x\), and initial \[\text{NH}_4^+\] being 0.02 M, at equilibrium it is \(0.02 - x\). Hence, \[ 10^{-9} = \frac{x^2}{0.02 - x} \approx \frac{x^2}{0.02} \]
04
Solve for \([\text{H}^+]\)
Rearrange to solve for \(x\): \[ x^2 = 10^{-9} \times 0.02 \] \[ x^2 = 2 \times 10^{-11} \] \[ x = \sqrt{2 \times 10^{-11}} \] \[ x = \sqrt{2} \times 10^{-5.5} \approx 1.414 \times 10^{-5.5} \] \[ x \approx 1.41 \times 10^{-6} \]
05
Calculate \(\text{pH}\) from \([\text{H}^+]\)
The \(\text{pH}\) is calculated using the relation: \[ \text{pH} = -\log[\text{H}^+] = -\log(1.41 \times 10^{-6}) \] Using the property of logarithms, this can be broken down to: \[ \text{pH} = -(\log 1.41 + \log 10^{-6}) \] \[ \approx -(0.15 - 6) = 5.85 \]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
pH Calculation
The pH calculation is crucial in comprehending the acidity or basicity of a solution. In this exercise, we're dealing with a 0.02 M solution of ammonium chloride (NH\(_4\)Cl). The first step involves recognizing that NH\(_4\)Cl dissociates into NH\(_4^+\) and Cl\(^-\) in water.
This creates an acidic environment due to the NH\(_4^+\) ions. To calculate the pH, we start with the concentration of hydrogen ions, denoted as [H\(^+\)].
The relationship involves calculating the dissociation constant, K\(_a\), for NH\(_4\)^+. Given the base dissociation constant, K\(_b\), for NH\(_4\)OH as 10\(^{-5}\), we find the corresponding K\(_a\) using the relation:
This creates an acidic environment due to the NH\(_4^+\) ions. To calculate the pH, we start with the concentration of hydrogen ions, denoted as [H\(^+\)].
The relationship involves calculating the dissociation constant, K\(_a\), for NH\(_4\)^+. Given the base dissociation constant, K\(_b\), for NH\(_4\)OH as 10\(^{-5}\), we find the corresponding K\(_a\) using the relation:
- \(K_w = K_a \, \times \, K_b = 10^{-14}\)
- \(K_a = \frac{10^{-14}}{10^{-5}} = 10^{-9}\)
Acid-Base Reactions
Acid-base reactions play a vital role in the behavior of NH\(_4\)Cl in water. When NH\(_4\)Cl dissolves, it splits into NH\(_4^+\) and Cl\(^-\). The NH\(_4^+\) ion, being a conjugate acid of the weak base NH\(_3\), reacts with water:
\[ \text{NH}_4^+ + \text{H}_2\text{O} \leftrightarrow \text{NH}_3 + \text{H}_3\text{O}^+ \]
This reaction is where the acidic nature comes from, as NH\(_4^+\) contributes to an increase in the hydrogen ion concentration ([H\(^+\)]). This behavior can be understood through the Bronsted-Lowry theory of acids and bases, where an acid is a proton donor.
Through these interactions, we see the direct influence on the pH level. It's fundamental to remember:
\[ \text{NH}_4^+ + \text{H}_2\text{O} \leftrightarrow \text{NH}_3 + \text{H}_3\text{O}^+ \]
This reaction is where the acidic nature comes from, as NH\(_4^+\) contributes to an increase in the hydrogen ion concentration ([H\(^+\)]). This behavior can be understood through the Bronsted-Lowry theory of acids and bases, where an acid is a proton donor.
Through these interactions, we see the direct influence on the pH level. It's fundamental to remember:
- NH\(_4^+\) is the acid.
- NH\(_3\) is the base that forms as a result of this reaction.
Equilibrium Constants
Equilibrium constants are a measure of the extent to which a reaction occurs. For NH\(_4\)Cl, the key equilibrium constant is the acid dissociation constant, K\(_a\), which is vital for understanding the dissociation of NH\(_4^+\) in water.
The relationship for dissociations can be represented as:
\[ K_a = \frac{[ ext{NH}_3][ ext{H}^+]}{[ ext{NH}_4^+]} = 10^{-9} \]
During equilibrium, the concentrations involved in the reaction reach a point where their ratio remains constant, signifying that the forward and backward reactions happen at the same rate.
Understanding equilibrium constants helps to predict how much NH\(_4\)^+ becomes NH\(_3\) and H\(^+\). It's essential to solve equilibrium expressions accurately, especially when using approximations such as assuming \(0.02 - x \approx 0.02\). These constants, like K\(_a\) and K\(_b\), help depict the strength of acids and bases.
The relationship for dissociations can be represented as:
\[ K_a = \frac{[ ext{NH}_3][ ext{H}^+]}{[ ext{NH}_4^+]} = 10^{-9} \]
During equilibrium, the concentrations involved in the reaction reach a point where their ratio remains constant, signifying that the forward and backward reactions happen at the same rate.
Understanding equilibrium constants helps to predict how much NH\(_4\)^+ becomes NH\(_3\) and H\(^+\). It's essential to solve equilibrium expressions accurately, especially when using approximations such as assuming \(0.02 - x \approx 0.02\). These constants, like K\(_a\) and K\(_b\), help depict the strength of acids and bases.
- High K\(_a\) values indicate strong acids.
- Low K\(_b\) values correlate to weak bases like NH\(_4\)OH.