Chapter 14: Problem 59
A solution of an unknown weak acid at \(25^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) has an osmotic pressure of \(0.878\) atm and a \(\mathrm{pH}\) of \(6.76 .\) What is \(K_{\mathrm{b}}\) for its conjugate base? (Assume that, in the equation for \(\pi\) [Chapter 10\(], i=1\).)
Short Answer
Expert verified
Answer: The value of \(K_b\) for the conjugate base is approximately \(5.75 \times 10^{-8}\).
Step by step solution
01
Find the molarity of the weak acid solution using the given osmotic pressure
The formula relating osmotic pressure, molarity, and temperature is:
\(\pi = i M R T\)
Where \(\pi\) is the osmotic pressure in atm, \(i\) is the van't Hoff factor (given as 1), \(M\) is the molarity in mol/L, \(R\) is the gas constant (0.0821 Latm/(mol.K)), and \(T\) is the temperature in Kelvin.
We are given, \(\pi = 0.878\) atm and \(T = 25^{\circ} \mathrm{C} = 298 \mathrm{K}\).
First, convert the temperature to Kelvin: \(T_K = T_{\mathrm{C}} + 273 = 25 + 273 = 298 \mathrm{K}\).
Now, solve for the molarity, \(M\):
\(M = \frac{\pi}{iRT} = \frac{0.878}{1 \times 0.0821 \times 298} = 0.0361 \mathrm{M}\)
02
Convert the given pH to the concentration of hydronium ions (\([\mathrm{H^+}]\))
Using the definition of pH, \([\mathrm{H^+}] = 10^{-\mathrm{pH}}\).
We are given the pH as \(6.76\). Thus,
\([\mathrm{H^+}] = 10^{-6.76} = 1.74 \times 10^{-7} \mathrm{M}\)
03
Determine the concentration of hydroxide ions (\([\mathrm{OH^-}]\))
From the \(K_w\) expression, \( K_w = [\mathrm{H^+}] [\mathrm{OH^-}] = 1.0 \times 10^{-14}\).
We have the value of \([\mathrm{H^+}]\). We can now find \([\mathrm{OH^-}]\) as follows:
\([\mathrm{OH^-}] = \frac{K_w}{[\mathrm{H^+}]} = \frac{1.0 \times 10^{-14}}{1.74 \times 10^{-7}} = 5.75 \times 10^{-8} \mathrm{M}\)
04
Calculate the value of \(K_b\) for the conjugate base
We have the molarity of the weak acid, \(M\), and the concentration of \(\mathrm{OH^-}\) ions. We can assume that all \(\mathrm{OH^-}\) ions have come from the dissociation of the conjugate base. Therefore, the initial concentration of the conjugate base is \(0.0361 \mathrm{M}\).
Now, we can use the expression for \(K_b\) in terms of conjugate base (\([\mathrm{B^-}]\)) and hydroxide ions (\([\mathrm{OH^-}]\)) concentrations:
\(K_b = \frac{[\mathrm{B^-}] [\mathrm{OH^-}]}{[\mathrm{HB}]}\)
In this case, we assume that all the weak acid has dissociated into its conjugate base. Therefore, \([\mathrm{B^-}] = 0.0361 \mathrm{M}\) and \([\mathrm{OH^-}] = 5.75 \times 10^{-8} \mathrm{M}\).
Now, we can calculate \(K_b\) as follows:
\(K_b = \frac{(0.0361)(5.75 \times 10^{-8})}{0.0361 - 5.75 \times 10^{-8}} \approx 5.75 \times 10^{-8}\)
So, the value of \(K_b\) for the conjugate base is approximately \(5.75 \times 10^{-8}\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Weak Acid
A weak acid is a type of acid that partially dissociates in solution. This means that when placed in water, only a fraction of the acid molecules will break down into ions. This is in contrast to a strong acid, which fully dissociates in solution.
- Weak acids have a higher pH compared to strong acids. This is because fewer hydronium ions \( \mathrm{H^+} \) are produced in the solution.
- The strength of a weak acid is quantified by its acid dissociation constant \( K_a \). A smaller \( K_a \) value indicates a weaker acid.
- Examples of weak acids include acetic acid and citric acid.
Conjugate Base
The conjugate base is what remains after an acid has donated a proton ( \( \mathrm{H^+} \)). This concept is essential in understanding acid-base equilibria.
- A conjugate base can accept a proton to revert to its original acid form.
- The strength of a conjugate base is inversely related to the strength of the acid from which it is derived.
- In our exercise, when a weak acid partially dissociates, it forms its conjugate base.
Molarity
Molarity \( (M) \) is a measure of the concentration of a solution, expressed as the number of moles of solute per liter of solution. It's a crucial concept in chemistry, especially for reactions in solutions like titrations and calculation of osmotic pressure.
- The formula for molarity is given by \( M = \frac{moles\ of\ solute}{liters\ of\ solution} \).
- It is important to use the correct units when calculating molarity to ensure accurate results in experiments and problem-solving.
- In the given exercise, the osmotic pressure formula \( \pi = i M R T \) helps us determine the molarity of the solution, linking it directly to the solute concentration.
Hydronium Ions
Hydronium ions \( \mathrm{H_3O^+} \) are formed when a hydrogen ion \( \mathrm{H^+} \) associates with a water molecule. These ions play a central role in the chemistry of acids and bases.
- The concentration of hydronium ions in a solution determines its acidity or pH. The lower the pH, the higher the \( \mathrm{H_3O^+} \) concentration.
- pH is calculated using the formula \( \mathrm{pH} = -\log{[H^+]} \), thereby giving insights into the acidity of the solution.
- In the exercise, converting the pH into the concentration of hydronium ions illustrates how acidic the unknown solution is, a necessary step for further calculations.