Chapter 13: Problem 13
If the \(K_{\mathrm{a}}\) for \(\mathrm{HNO}_{2}\) is \(5.6 \times 10^{-4}\), what is the \(K_{\mathrm{b}}\) for \(\mathrm{NO}_{2}^{-}(\mathrm{aq})\) ?
Short Answer
Expert verified
The \(K_b\) for \(\mathrm{NO}_2^-\) is approximately \(1.79 \times 10^{-11}\).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Relationship between Ka and Kb
To find the relationship between the acid dissociation constant \(K_a\) for \(\mathrm{HNO}_2\) and the base dissociation constant \(K_b\) for its conjugate base \(\mathrm{NO}_2^-\), we must use the equation: \(K_w = K_a \cdot K_b\), where \(K_w\) is the ion-product constant for water, typically \(1.0 \times 10^{-14}\) at 25 °C.
02
Rearranging the Formula
We need to solve for \(K_b\). Rearrange the equation \(K_w = K_a \cdot K_b\) to find: \(K_b = \frac{K_w}{K_a}\).
03
Substitute the Known Values
Now, substitute the given values into the equation. Use \(K_w = 1.0 \times 10^{-14}\) and \(K_a = 5.6 \times 10^{-4}\). This gives us \(K_b = \frac{1.0 \times 10^{-14}}{5.6 \times 10^{-4}}\).
04
Calculate Kb
Perform the division: \(K_b = \frac{1.0 \times 10^{-14}}{5.6 \times 10^{-4}}\), which equals approximately \(1.79 \times 10^{-11}\).
05
Verify the Units
Verify that the dissociation constants retain the correct units. Both \(K_a\) and \(K_b\) are dimensionless, maintaining consistency in our calculations.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Acid Dissociation Constant
The acid dissociation constant, commonly referred to as "Ka," is a fundamental concept in chemistry that measures the strength of an acid in a solution. It is specifically the equilibrium constant for the dissociation of an acid into its conjugate base and a proton. A higher Ka value indicates a stronger acid, which means the acid dissociates more completely in water. To understand the importance of Ka, consider its role in equilibrium reactions:
- When an acid like \(\mathrm{HNO}_2\) dissociates in water, it forms \(\mathrm{NO}_2^-\) (its conjugate base) and \(\mathrm{H}^+\) ions.
- The reaction reaches equilibrium, and the extent to which the acid dissociates is quantified by the Ka.
Conjugate Base
A conjugate base is what remains of an acid molecule after it donates a proton in a chemical reaction. In an acid-base reaction, an acid donates its hydrogen ion (proton) to another molecule, resulting in the formation of its conjugate base.For example, when \(\mathrm{HNO}_2\) (nitrous acid) donates a proton, it becomes \(\mathrm{NO}_2^-\), which is its conjugate base. This transformation highlights several key points:
- Acids and their conjugate bases exist in equilibrium in aqueous solutions.
- The strength of a conjugate base is inversely related to the strength of its acid. Strong acids have weak conjugate bases and vice versa.
- Understanding conjugate pairs is vital in predicting the outcome of acid-base reactions.
Ion-Product Constant for Water
The ion-product constant for water, denoted as \(K_w\), is a crucial concept in understanding acid-base chemistry. \(K_w\) is the product of the concentrations of hydrogen ions \(\mathrm{[H^+]}\) and hydroxide ions \(\mathrm{[OH^-]}\) in pure water. At room temperature (25°C), \(K_w\) is typically \(1.0 \times 10^{-14}\). Here are a few important points about \(K_w\):
- It represents the extent of water dissociation into \(\mathrm{H^+}\) and \(\mathrm{OH^-}\).
- The value of \(K_w\) remains constant for dilute aqueous solutions at a given temperature.
- In the context of acid-base theories, the ion-product constant relates to other constants such as \(K_a\) and \(K_b\).