Chapter 15: Problem 147
What is the \(\mathrm{pH}\) and the principal source of \(\mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{O}^{+}\) ions in \(1.0 \times 10^{-10} \mathrm{M} \mathrm{HCl} ?\) (Hint: The \(\mathrm{pH}\) of an acid solution can't exceed 7.) What is the \(\mathrm{pH}\) of \(1.0 \times 10^{-7} \mathrm{M} \mathrm{HCl}\) ?
Short Answer
Expert verified
For \(1.0 \times 10^{-10} \mathrm{M} \mathrm{HCl}\), \(\mathrm{pH} \approx 7\); principal source is water. For \(1.0 \times 10^{-7} \mathrm{M} \mathrm{HCl}\), \(\mathrm{pH} \approx 6.7\).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the problem
We need to find the \(\mathrm{pH}\) and the principal source of \(\mathrm{H}_{3}\mathrm{O}^{+} \) ions in two solutions: \(1.0 \times 10^{-10} \mathrm{M} \mathrm{HCl}\) and \(1.0 \times 10^{-7} \mathrm{M} \mathrm{HCl}\). The hint tells us that \(\mathrm{pH}\) cannot exceed 7 for an acidic solution.
02
Consider the autoionization of water
Water naturally ionizes into \(\mathrm{H}^{+}\) and \(\mathrm{OH}^{-}\) ions: \(\mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{O} \rightleftharpoons \mathrm{H}^{+} + \mathrm{OH}^{-}\). The concentration of \(\mathrm{H}^{+}\) from water is \(1.0 \times 10^{-7}\ \mathrm{M}\). This must be considered when dealing with very dilute acid solutions.
03
Calculate the \(\mathrm{pH}\) of \(1.0 \times 10^{-10} \mathrm{M} \mathrm{HCl}\)
Since the concentration of \(\mathrm{HCl}\) is less than the \(\mathrm{H}^{+}\) from water, the ionic contribution from water is more significant. The total \(\mathrm{H}^{+}\) concentration is \(1.0 \times 10^{-7} + 1.0 \times 10^{-10}\ \mathrm{M} \approx 1.0 \times 10^{-7}\ \mathrm{M}\). Since the \(\mathrm{pH} = -\log([\mathrm{H}^{+}])\), \(\mathrm{pH} \approx 7\). The principal source of \(\mathrm{H}_{3}\mathrm{O}^{+} \) is water.
04
Calculate the \(\mathrm{pH}\) of \(1.0 \times 10^{-7} \mathrm{M} \mathrm{HCl}\)
In this case, \(\mathrm{H}^{+}\) from HCl and water are equal. Therefore, the total \(\mathrm{H}^{+}\) is \(2.0 \times 10^{-7}\ \mathrm{M}\). \(\mathrm{pH} = -\log(2.0 \times 10^{-7})\), which is slightly less than 7. Calculate precisely if needed for detailed understanding.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Autoionization of Water
Autoionization of water is a fascinating process where water molecules, even in pure form, naturally split into hydrogen ions (\( \mathrm{H}^{+} \)) and hydroxide ions (\( \mathrm{OH}^{-} \)).
This dynamic equilibrium can be represented by the equation:\[ \mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{O} \rightleftharpoons \mathrm{H}^{+} + \mathrm{OH}^{-} \]Even in the absence of added acids or bases, there are always \( 1.0 \times 10^{-7} \ \mathrm{M} \) of both \( \mathrm{H}^{+} \) and \( \mathrm{OH}^{-} \) ions at 25°C.
This \( \mathrm{H}^{+} \) concentration in pure water establishes a neutral \( \mathrm{pH} \) level of 7.
This dynamic equilibrium can be represented by the equation:\[ \mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{O} \rightleftharpoons \mathrm{H}^{+} + \mathrm{OH}^{-} \]Even in the absence of added acids or bases, there are always \( 1.0 \times 10^{-7} \ \mathrm{M} \) of both \( \mathrm{H}^{+} \) and \( \mathrm{OH}^{-} \) ions at 25°C.
This \( \mathrm{H}^{+} \) concentration in pure water establishes a neutral \( \mathrm{pH} \) level of 7.
- It is crucial to consider this natural ionization in scenarios involving very dilute acid solutions.
- This background ionization becomes a principal contributor to the overall hydrogen ion concentration when dealing with low concentrations of strong acids.
Dilute Acid Solutions
Dilute acid solutions contain a relatively low concentration of acid compared to their solvent.
For such solutions, the concentration of \( \mathrm{H}^{+} \) ions originating from water must not be neglected, especially if it exceeds or approaches the concentration from the acid itself.
When calculating \( \mathrm{pH} \) in such conditions, it is important to add these sources of \( \mathrm{H}^{+} \) together to get an accurate measurement.
For such solutions, the concentration of \( \mathrm{H}^{+} \) ions originating from water must not be neglected, especially if it exceeds or approaches the concentration from the acid itself.
- This is primarily significant when the acid concentration falls below \( 1.0 \times 10^{-7} \ \mathrm{M} \).
- In these cases, even a strong acid may not significantly impact the \( \mathrm{pH} \) compared to the autoionization of water.
When calculating \( \mathrm{pH} \) in such conditions, it is important to add these sources of \( \mathrm{H}^{+} \) together to get an accurate measurement.
HCl Acidity
Hydrochloric acid (\( \mathrm{HCl} \)) is a strong acid that dissociates fully in water to form hydrogen ions (\( \mathrm{H}^{+} \)) and chloride ions (\( \mathrm{Cl}^{-} \)).
In such extremely dilute solutions as \( 1.0 \times 10^{-10} \ \mathrm{M}\) \( \mathrm{HCl} \), the dissociated ions contribute less significantly than those from water, skewing the \( \mathrm{pH} \) towards neutrality.
This characteristic distinguishes strong acids like \( \mathrm{HCl} \) from weaker ones, which do not dissociate completely.
- When dissolved in water, each molecule of \( \mathrm{HCl} \) contributes directly to the increase in \( \mathrm{H}^{+} \) ion concentration.
- Therefore, for higher concentrations, the \( \mathrm{pH} \) can be measured directly using the concentration of \( \mathrm{HCl} \).
In such extremely dilute solutions as \( 1.0 \times 10^{-10} \ \mathrm{M}\) \( \mathrm{HCl} \), the dissociated ions contribute less significantly than those from water, skewing the \( \mathrm{pH} \) towards neutrality.
This characteristic distinguishes strong acids like \( \mathrm{HCl} \) from weaker ones, which do not dissociate completely.
Hydronium Ions
Hydronium ions (\( \mathrm{H}_{3}\mathrm{O}^{+} \)) form when a free hydrogen ion (\( \mathrm{H}^{+} \)) from an acid combines with a water molecule.
This is a common occurrence in aqueous solutions and gives rise to the acidic properties observed.
In any dilution or chemical process involving acids like \( \mathrm{HCl} \), it is these ions that directly influence the \( \mathrm{pH} \), tying together the contribution from both the acid and the solvent.
This is a common occurrence in aqueous solutions and gives rise to the acidic properties observed.
- In simpler terms, whenever we measure or talk about \( \mathrm{H}^{+} \) concentration in solutions, they are actually present as the \( \mathrm{H}_{3}\mathrm{O}^{+} \) complex.
- This transformation stabilizes the reactive hydrogen ion, making it easier to analyze and understand their behavior in water.
In any dilution or chemical process involving acids like \( \mathrm{HCl} \), it is these ions that directly influence the \( \mathrm{pH} \), tying together the contribution from both the acid and the solvent.