Chapter 7: Problem 22
The first proton of sulfuric acid is completely ionized, but the second proton is only partially dissociated, with an acidity constant \(K_{a 2}\) of \(1.2 \times 10^{-2} .\) Calculate the hydrogen ion concentration in a \(0.0100 \mathrm{M} \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{4}\) solution.
Short Answer
Expert verified
The hydrogen ion concentration is approximately 0.0101 M.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the problem
We have 0.0100 M sulfuric acid, which dissociates in two steps: first as a strong acid to give all its protons, and second as a weak acid with \( K_{a2} = 1.2 \times 10^{-2} \). We need to calculate the hydrogen ion concentration \([H^+])\) in the solution.
02
Initial Dissociation of Sulfuric Acid
Considering \(H_2SO_4\) is a strong acid, the initial dissociation fully converges to \(HSO_4^-\) and \(H^+\). This results in an initial \([H^+])\) of 0.0100 M due to complete dissociation.
03
Partial Dissociation of the Second Proton
In the second step, \(HSO_4^-\) partially dissociates: \(HSO_4^- \rightleftharpoons H^+ + SO_4^{2-}\). We use the equilibrium constant \((K_{a2})\) to determine the contribution of \(HSO_4^-\) dissociation to the \([H^+])\).
04
Set Up Expression for Equilibrium
At equilibrium, the concentration of \(HSO_4^-\) is reduced by \(x\) and that of \(H^+\) and \(SO_4^{2-}\) are increased by \(x\). The expression for \(K_{a2}\) is: \[ K_{a2} = \frac{[H^+][SO_4^{2-}]}{[HSO_4^-]} = \frac{(0.0100 + x)x}{(0.0100 - x)} \approx \frac{(0.0100)x}{0.0100} = 1.2 \times 10^{-2} \]
05
Solve for x
Since \(x\) is small compared to 0.0100, we assume \( (0.0100 - x) \approx 0.0100 \).So, \[ x = \frac{1.2 \times 10^{-4}}{1} = 1.2 \times 10^{-4} \] which is the concentration of \( H^+ \) contributed by partial dissociation.
06
Calculate Total Hydrogen Ion Concentration
The total \([H^+])\) is the sum of fully dissociated \([H^+])\) from the first proton and \([H^+])\) from the second step: \[0.0100 + 1.2 \times 10^{-4} = 0.0101 M\].
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Strong Acid
Sulfuric acid (\(H_2SO_4\)) is a classic example of a strong acid. In chemistry, a strong acid is defined by its ability to completely dissociate in water.
Unlike weak acids, which only partially dissociate, strong acids like \(H_2SO_4\) release all available hydrogen ions into the solution. This results in a high concentration of \([H^+]\) ions almost instantly.
Unlike weak acids, which only partially dissociate, strong acids like \(H_2SO_4\) release all available hydrogen ions into the solution. This results in a high concentration of \([H^+]\) ions almost instantly.
- The first dissociation of sulfuric acid is complete, meaning \(H_2SO_4\) converts entirely into \(HSO_4^-\) and \(H^+\).
- This ensures the initial concentration of \([H^+]\) is the same as the concentration of the acid itself.
Acidity Constant
When discussing acids, the acidity constant, or \(K_a\), is a key factor, especially for the second dissociation of sulfuric acid. The \(K_a\) value helps us understand how easily an acid releases its protons in solution.
Sulfuric acid's second dissociation has a \(K_{a2}\) of \(1.2 \times 10^{-2}\).
Sulfuric acid's second dissociation has a \(K_{a2}\) of \(1.2 \times 10^{-2}\).
- This indicates that the second proton dissociates much less readily than the first.
- The larger the \(K_a\) value, the weaker the bond holding the proton, and hence, the stronger the acid in that dissociation step.
Hydrogen Ion Concentration
The hydrogen ion concentration \([H^+]\) in a solution is key to understanding the solution's acidity. For sulfuric acid:
Remember that even slight changes in \([H^+]\) can significantly affect a solution's pH and reactivity.
- The initial \([H^+]\) is from the complete dissociation of the first proton, equaling the molarity of the acid (\(0.0100 \, M\)).
- Additional \([H^+]\) results from the lesser, partial dissociation of the second proton.
Remember that even slight changes in \([H^+]\) can significantly affect a solution's pH and reactivity.
Equilibrium Expression
The equilibrium expression is a mathematical depiction of a chemical equilibrium state. For partial dissociation of \(HSO_4^-\) in sulfuric acid:
- The formula represents the relationship between reactants and products at equilibrium: \[ K_{a2} = \frac{[H^+][SO_4^{2-}]}{[HSO_4^-]} \]
- At equilibrium, the remove of \(HSO_4^-\) produces more \([H^+]\) and \([SO_4^{2-}]\)