Ionization constants for H2CO3 are K a1 = 4.5 An amphoteric salt is one that con

Question

Ionization constants for H2CO3 are

Ka1 = 4.5 An amphoteric salt is one that contains an anion that can act as either an acid or a base in water. Baking soda, NaHC03, is an example. By combining the ionization and hydrolysis reactions of the anion, we get the principle reaction that occurs when this salt is dissolved in water. 2HCO-3(aq) CO2-3(aq) + H2CO3(aq) The pH for such a solution is given by pH = pka1 + pka2/2 where Ka1 and Ka2 are the ionization constants of the acid (in this case, H2CO3). Note that the pH of the solution is independent of the salt concentration. Calculate the pH of a NaHC03 solution. pH =

Explanation / Answer

pH = (pKa1 + pKa2)/2 = (7 - log(4.5) + 11 - log(4.7))/2 = 16.68/2 = 8.34

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse I
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.