HA is a weak acid. A 0.21M solution of HA has a pH of 2.68. What is the Ka value for HA?

1 Answer
Jun 18, 2018

Ka=2.1×10-5

Explanation:

pH = 2.68

[H3O+]=10-pHlmol/L=10-2.68lmol/L=0.002 09 mol/L

We can use an ICE table to help us calculate the value of Ka.

mmmmmmllHA+H2OH3O++lA-
I/mol⋅L-1:mll0.21mmmmmm0mmml0
C/mol⋅L-1:ml-xmmmmmml+xmml+x
E/mol⋅L-1:m0.21-xmmmmmlxmmmlx

At equilibrium,

[H3O+]=0.002 09 mol/L

x=0.002 09

Ka=[H3O+][A-][HA]=x20.21x=0.002 0920.21-0.002 09=4.16×10-60.208

=2.1×10-5