Acid-Base Equilibrium Problems

1. Write equations which represent the dissociation of each of these acids or bases in aqueous
solution. Use a single arrow in the case of a strong acid or base, and a double arrow to represent
the equilibrium condition that exists in the solution of a weak acid or base. Show each step of
dissociation for polyprotic acids.
a) KOH
KOH(aq) K+(aq) + OH-(aq)
b) H3AsO4
Step 1: H3AsO4 (aq) + H2O(l) H2AsO4- (aq) + H3O+(aq)
Step 2: H2AsO4- (aq) + H2O(l) HAsO42- (aq) + H3O+(aq)
Step 3: HAsO42- (aq) + H2O(l) AsO43- (aq) + H3O+(aq)
c) HClO4
HClO4 (aq) + H2O(l) ClO4- (aq) + H3O+(aq)
d) HCN(aq)
HCN(aq) + H2O(l) CN- (aq) + H3O+(aq)
e) C6H5NH2 (a weak base)
C6H5NH2 (aq) + H2O(l) C6H5NH3+ (aq) + OH- (aq)
2. Benzoic acid, HC6H5CO2, is an organic acid whose sodium salt, NaC6H5CO2, has long been used as a
safe food additive to protect beverages and many foods against harmful yeasts and bacteria. The
acid is monoprotic. Write the Ka expression for this acid.
HC6H5CO2 (aq) + H2O(l) C6H5CO2- (aq) + H3O+(aq)

Ka

[C6 H 6 CO2 ][H 3O ]

[ HC6 H 6 CO2 ]

3. Write the equilibrium equations and the Kb expressions for each of the following bases.
a) CN- (cyanide ion)
CN- (aq) + H2O(l) HCN(aq) + OH- (aq)

Kb

[ HCN ][ OH ]
[ HCN ]

b) C2H3O2- (acetate ion)

C2H3O2-

Kb

(aq)

+ H2O(l) HC2H3O2

(aq)

+ OH- (aq)

[ HC2 H 3O2 ][OH ]

[C 2 H 3O2 ]

c) C6H5NH2 (aniline)
C6H5NH2 (aq) + H2O(l) C6H5NH3+

(aq)

[C H NH 3 ][OH ]
Kb 6 5
[C6 H 5 NH 2 ]
d) H2O(l) + H2O(l) H3O+
Kb=[H3O+][OH-]

(aq)

+ OH- (aq)

+ OH- (aq)

4. Find the pH and % ionization of a 0.065 M solution of formic acid, (Ka=1.8 x 10-4). [2.47, 5.2%]
HCHO2 (aq) + H2O(l) CHO2- (aq) + H3O+(aq)
MR
1
1
1
1
I
0.065
--0
0
C
-x
--+x
+x
E
0.065-x
---x
x

Ka=1.8 x 10-4
0.065/Ka < 1000

approx will not work

[CHO2 ][H 3 O ]
Ka
[ HCHO2 ]
1.8 10 4

[H3O+]=3.4x10-3 M
pH = -log[H3O+]
pH=2.47

x2
(0.065 x)

1.2 10 5 1.8 10 4 x x 2
x 2 1.8 10 4 x 1.2 10 5 0

% ionization= [H3O+]/[Acid]initial x100%

= (3.4x10-3)/0.065 x100%
= 5.2%

a= 1, b=1.8x10-4, c=-1.2x10-5
x1=-3.6x10-3, x2=3.4x10-3

5. Find the pH of a 0.325 M acetic acid solution, given the Ka is 1.8 x 10-5. [2.62]
HC2H3O2 (aq) + H2O(l) C2H3O2- (aq) + H3O+(aq) Ka=1.8 x 10-5
MR
1
1
1
1
0.325/Ka > 1000
I
0.325
--0
0
approx will work
C
-x
--+x
+x
E
0.325-x
---x
x

[C 2 H 3 O2 ][H 3 O ]
Ka
[ HC 2 H 3 O2 ]
1.8 10 5

x2
(0.325 x)

5.9 10 6 x 2
x 2.4 10 3

[H3O+]=2.4x10-3 M
pH = -log[H3O+]
pH=2.62
% ionization= [H3O+]/[Acid]initial x100%
= (2.4x10-3)/0.325 x100%
= 0.74 %

6. Find the pH of a solution that contains 0.0034 M lactic acid(HC3H5O3) (Ka =1.4 x 10-4).
MR
I
C
E

HC3H5O3 (aq)
1
0.0034
-x
0.0034-x

+ H2O(l)
1
--------

C3H5O3- (aq) + H3O+(aq) Ka=1.4 x 10-4

1
1
0.0034/Ka < 1000
0
0
approx will not work
+x
+x
x
x

Ka

[C3 H 5 O3 ][H 3O ]
[ HC3 H 5 O3 ]

1.4 10 4

x2
(0.0034 x)

x 2 1.4 10 4 x 4.8 10 7 0
a= 1, b=1.4x10-4, c= -4.8x10-7
x1=6.3x10-4, x2= -7.7x10-4

[H3O+]=6.3x10-4 M
pH = -log[H3O+]
pH=3.20

7. Find the hydronium ion concentration and pH for a 0.056 M solution of propanoic acid (Ka = 1.4 x
10-5). [ H3O+=8.9x10-4 pH=3.05]
HC3H5O2 (aq) + H2O(l) C3H5O2- (aq) + H3O+(aq) Ka=1.4 x 10-5
MR
1
1
1
1
0.056/Ka > 1000
I
0.056
--0
0
approx will work
C
-x
--+x
+x
E
0.056-x
---x
x

Ka

[C3 H 5 O2 ][H 3O ]
[ HC3 H 5 O2 ]

1.4 10 5

x2
(0.056 x)

[H3O+]=8.9x10-4 M
pH = -log[H3O+]
pH=3.05

x 8.9 10 4
8. Find the pH of a 0.600 M solution of methylamine CH3NH2. Kb = 4.4 x 104. [12.20]
CH3NH2 (aq) + H2O(l) CH3NH3+ (aq) + OH-(aq)
Kb=4.4 x 10-4
MR
1
1
1
1
0.60/Ka > 1000
I
0.60
--0
0
approx will work
C
-x
--+x
+x
E
0.60-x
---x
x

[CH 3 NH 3 ][OH ]
Kb
[CH 3 NH 2 ]
x2
(0.60 x)

4.4 10 4

[OH-]=1.6x10-2 M
pOH = -log[OH-]
pOH = 1.80
pH=12.20

x 1.6 10 2
9. What is the pH of a 5.6x10-4 M butanoic acid solution, given the pKa = 4.82. [4.08]
HC4H7O2 (aq) +
MR
1
I
5.6x10-4
C
-x
E
5.6x10-4 -x

H2O(l) C4H7O2- (aq) + H3O+(aq)

1
1
1
5.6x10-4/Ka > 1000
--0
0
approx will work
--+x
+x
---x
x

pKa=4.82
Ka=10-4.82
Ka=1.5 x 10-5

Ka

[C 4 H 7 O2 ][H 3O ]
[ HC4 H 7 O2 ]

1.5 10 5

x2
(5.6 10 4 x)

x 2 1.5 10 5 x 8.4 10 9 0

a= 1, b=1.5x10-5, c= -8.4x10-9
x1=8.4x10-5, x2= -9.9x10-5
[H3O+]=8.4x10-5 M
pH = -log[H3O+]
pH=4.08

10. Calculate the [H3O+], the pH and the % ionization for a 0.50 mol/L HCN solution. [1.8x10-5,4.74,
3.6x10-3 %]

MR
I
C
E

Ka

HCN (aq) + H2O(l) CN- (aq) + H3O+(aq)

1
1
1
1
0.50
--0
0
-x
--+x
+x
0.50-x
---x
x

0.50/Ka > 1000

approx will work

[CN ][H 3 O ]
[ HCN ]

[H3O+]=1.8x10-5 M
pH = -log[H3O+]
pH=4.74

x2
(0.50 x)

6.2 10 10
x 1.8 10 5

11. Calculate the [OH-], the pH and the % ionization for 0.25 mol/L ammonia solution. [2.1x10-3,
11.32, 0.84%]
NH3 (aq) + H2O(l) NH4+ (aq) + OH-(aq) Kb=1.8 x 10-5
1
1
1
1
0.25/Ka > 1000
0.25
--0
0
approx will work
-x
--+x
+x
0.25-x
---x
x

MR
I
C
E

[OH-]=2.1x10-3 M
pOH = -log[OH-]
pOH = 2.68
pH=11.32

[ NH 4 ][OH ]
Kb
[ NH 3 ]
1.8 10 5

x2
(0.25 x)

% ionization= [OH-]/[Base]initial x100%

= (2.1x10-3)/0.25 x100%
= 0.84 %

x 2.1 10 3

12. Hydrazine, N2H4, has been used as a rocket fuel. Like ammonia, it is a weak base. A 0.15 M
solution has a pH of 10.70. What is the Kb and pKb for hydrazine and the pKa of its conjugate acid?
[Kb=1.7x10-6, pKb =5.77, pKa Conj =8.23]
pH=10.70

pOH = 3.30

[OH-]=10-3.30

[OH-]= 5.0x10-4

N2H4 (aq) + H2O(l) N2H5+ (aq) + OH-(aq) Kb= ?

MR
1
1
1
1
I
0.15
--0
0
C
-x
--+x
+x
E
0.15-x ---x
x
=0.15
=5.0x10-4
=5.0x10-4

[ N 2 H 5 ][OH ]
Kb
[N 2 H 4 ]
Kb

(5.0 10 4 ) 2
(0.15)

K b 1.7 10 6

pKb =-logKb
pKb =5.77
pKa Conj=14- pKb
pKa Conj =8.23

13. If the pH of a weak base solution is 9.5 and the original concentration of base was 0.30 M what is
the pOH, the concentration of OH-, the equilibrium concentration of the base and the Kb of the
-9
base? [pOH = 4.50, [OH-]= 3.2x10-5, [B]=0.30 M, Kb=3.4x10 ]
pH=9.50

pOH = 4.50

[OH-]=10-4.50

B (aq) + H2O(l) BH+ (aq) +

1
1
1
0.30
--0
-x
--+x
0.30-x ---x
=0.30
=3.2x10-5

MR
I
C
E

[OH-]= 3.2x10-5

OH-(aq)
1
0
+x
x
=3.2x10-5

Kb= ?

Kb

[ BH ][OH ]
[ B]

Kb

(3.2 105 ) 2
(0.30)

K b 3.4 109

14. If the pH of a hypochlorous acid solution is 4.17, what is the initial concentration? [0.16 M]
[H3O+]=10-4.17

pH=4.17

[H3O+]=6.8x10-5

HClO (aq) + H2O(l) ClO (aq) +

Ka=2.9x10
1
1
1
1
I
--0
0
-x
--+x
+x
I-x
---x
x
-5
-5
= I-6.8x10
=6.8x10
=6.8x10-5
-

MR
I
C
E

H3O+(aq)

-8

Ka

[ClO ][H 3O ]
[ HClO]

2.9 10 8

(6.8 10 5 ) 2
( I 6.8 10 5 )

2.9 10 8 I 2.0 10 12 4.6 10 9

I 0.16

15. If the pH of a solution is equal to 8.70 and the Kb=9.6x10-7 what was the original concentration of
the base? [3.1x10-5 M]
pH=8.70

MR
I
C
E

pOH = 5.30

[OH-]=10-5.30

[OH-]= 5.0x10-6

B (aq) + H2O(l) BH+ (aq) +

OH-(aq)
1
1
1
1
I
--0
0
-x
--+x
+x
I-x
---x
x
=I-5.0x10-6
=5.0x10-6 =5.0x10-6

Kb= 9.6x10-7

Kb

[ BH ][OH ]
[ B]

9.6 107

(5.0 106 ) 2
( I 5.0 106 )

9.6 107 I 4.8 1012 2.5 1011

I 3.1105

16. A nitrous acid solution is 1.34% ionized at equilibrium. What is the hydronium ion concentration,
pH and initial acid concentration? [ [H3O+]=0.0531 M, pH=1.274, [HNO2]initial=3.96 M ]
HNO2 (aq) + H2O(l) NO2- (aq) + H3O+(aq) Ka=7.2x10-4
1
1
1
1
Since the acid is 1.34% ionized at
I
--0
0
equilibrium,
-x
--+x
+x
x=0.0134I
I-x
---x
x
=0.9866I
=0.0134I =0.0134I

MR
I
C
E

[ NO2 ][H 3 O ]
Ka
[ HNO2 ]
7.2 10

7.2 10

7.2 10 4

(0.0134I ) 2

(0.9866I )
1.80 10 4 I 2

0.9866I
1.82 10 4 I

x=0.0134I
x=(0.0134)(3.96)
x=0.0531 M
[H3O+]=0.0531 M
pH = -log[H3O+]
pH=1.274

I 3.96M
17. A solution of ethylamine is 1.25% ionized at equilibrium. What is the hydroxide ion concentration
and initial base concentration? [[OH-]=0.0340 M, [CH3CH2NH2]initial=2.72 M]
MR
I
C
E

CH3CH2NH2 (aq) + H2O(l) CH3CH2NH3+ (aq) + OH-(aq)

1
1
1
1
I
--0
0
-x
--+x
+x
I-x
---x
x
=0.9875I
=0.0125I
=0.0125I

Kb=4.3 x 10-4
Since the base is 1.25% ionized at
equilibrium,
x=0.0125I

Kb

[CH 3 CH 2 NH 3 ][OH ]
[CH 3 CH 2 NH 2 ]

(0.0125I ) 2
4.3 10
0.9875I
1.56 10 4 I 2
4.3 10 4
0.9875I
4
4.3 10 1.58 10 4 I
I 2.72M
4

x=0.0125I
x=(0.0125)(2.72)
x=0.0340 M
[OH-]=0.0340 M

18. Calculate the pH of the following solutions,

a) 0.36 M sodium acetate solution
[9.15]
MR
I
C
E

Kb

C2H3O21
0.36
-x
0.36-x

(aq)

+ H2O(l)
1
--------

HC2H3O2
1
0
+x
X

(aq)

+ OH- (aq)
1
0
+x
x

[ HC 2 H 3 O2 ][OH ]

Kb=Kw/Ka Acid
0.36/Kb > 1000

approx will work

[OH-]=1.4x10-5 M
pOH = -log[OH-]
pOH = 4.85
pH=9.15

[C 2 H 3 O2 ]

KW
x2

K aAcid 0.36 x
x2
0.36

5.6 10 10
x 1.4 10 5

b) 0.25 M ammonium nitrate

MR
I
C
E

Ka

[4.92]

+ H2O(l) NH3 (aq) + H3O+(aq)

1
1
1
1
0.25
--0
0
-x
--+x
+x
0.25-x
---x
x
NH4+ (aq)

Ka=Kw/Kb Base
0.25/Ka > 1000

approx will work

[ NH 3 ][H 3O ]
[ NH 3 ]

[H3O+]=1.2x10-5 M
pH = -log[H3O+]
pH=4.92

KW
x2

K bBase 0.25 x
x2
0.25

5.6 10 10
x 1.2 10 5

c) 0.16 M calcium formate (Ca(CHO2)2) solution

MR
I
C
E

Kb

CHO2- (aq)
1
0.32
-x
0.32-x

+ H2O(l) HCHO2
1
1
--0
--+x
---x

[ HCHO2 ][OH ]

[CHO2 ]

KW
x2

K aAcid 0.32 x
5.6 10 11

x2
0.32

x 4.2 10 6

(aq)

[8.48]
-

+ OH (aq)
1
0
+x
X

Kb=Kw/Ka Acid
0.16/Kb > 1000

approx will work

[OH-]=4.2x10-6 M
pOH = -log[OH-]
pOH = 5.38
pH= 8.62

d) 0.45 M potassium hypochlorite

ClO (aq) + H2O(l)
1
1
0.45
---x
--0.45-x
----

MR
I
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E

Kb

HClO
1
0
+x
x

[10.59]
(aq)

+ OH- (aq) Kb=Kw/Ka Acid

1
0.45/Kb > 1000
0
approx will work
+x
x

[ HClO][OH ]
[ClO ]

KW
x2

K aAcid 0.45 x
3.4 10 7

x2
0.45

x 3.9 10 4
[OH-]=3.9x10-4 M
pOH = -log[OH-]
pOH = 3.41
pH= 10.59
19. A 27.0 mL sample of 0.28 M acetic acid is titrated with 0.15 M calcium hydroxide.
a) Calculate the volume of calcium hydroxide required to reach the equivalence point. [25mL]
b) Calculate the pH at equivalence.
[8.96]
c
V
n

2 HC2H3O2 (aq) + Ca(OH)2 (aq) Ca(C2H3O2)2 (aq) + 2 H2O (l)

0.28
0.15
0.073 ([C2H3O2-]=0.15 M)
0.027
0.025
0.052
7.6x10-3
3.8x10-3
3.8x10-3
MR
I
C
E

C2H3O2-(aq) + H2O(l) HC2H3O2(aq) + OH-(aq)

1
1
1
1
0.15
-0
0
-x
--x
x
0.15-x
-x
x

Kb

[ HC 2 H 3 O2 ][OH ]

[C 2 H 3 O2 ]

KW
x2

K aAcid 0.15 x
5.6 10 10

x2
0.15

x 9.2 10 6
[OH-]=9.2x10-6
pOH = -log[OH-]
pOH=5.04
pH=8.96

0.15/Kb > 1000

approx will work

20. A 175 mL sample of 0.30 M ammonia is titrated with 0.45 M hydrochloric acid.
a) Calculate the volume of hydrochloric acid required to reach the equivalence point. [120mL]
b) Calculate the pH at equivalence.
[5.00]
HCl (aq) +
0.45
0.12
0.053

c
V
n
MR
I
C
E

NH3 (aq) NH4Cl (aq)

0.30
0.18 ([NH4+]=0.18 M)
0.175
0.295
0.053
0.053

NH4+(aq) + H2O(l) NH3(aq) + H3O+(aq)

1
1
1
1
0.18
-0
0
-x
--x
x
0.18-x
-x
x

Ka

0.18/Ka > 1000

approx will work

[ NH 3 ][H 3O ]
[ NH 3 ]

KW
x2

K bBase 0.18 x
x2
0.18

5.6 10 10
x 1.0 10 5

[H3O+]=1.0x10-5
pH=-log[H3O+]
pH=5.00
21. A 225 mL sample of 0.24 M formic acid is titrated with 0.30 M sodium hydroxide.
a) Calculate the volume of sodium hydroxide required to reach equivalence.
b) Calculate the pH at equivalence.
HCHO2 (aq) + NaOH (aq) NaCHO2 (aq) + H2O (l)
0.24
0.30
0.13 ([C2H3O2-]=0.13 M]
0.225
0.180
0.405
0.054
0.054
0.054

c
V
n
MR
I
C
E

CHO2-(aq) + H2O(l) HCHO2(aq) + OH-(aq)

1
1
1
1
0.13
-0
0
-x
--x
x
0.13-x
-x
x

Kb

[ HCHO2 ][OH ]

[CHO2 ]

KW
x2

K aAcid 0.13 x
5.6 10 11

x2
0.13

x 2.7 10 6
[OH-]=2.7x10-6
pOH = -log[OH-]
pOH =5.57
pH=8.43

0.13/Kb > 1000

approx will work

[180mL]
[8.43]

22. A 180 mL sample of 0.16 M hydrazine is titrated with 0.12 M nitric acid.
a) Calculate the volume of nitric acid required to reach the equivalence point.
b) Calculate the pH at equivalence.

[240mL]
[4.70]

HNO3 (aq) + N2H4 (aq) N2H5NO3 (aq)

0.12
0.16
0.069 ([N2H5+]=0.069 M)
0.24
0.180
0.42
0.029
0.029
0.029

c
V
n
MR
I
C
E

N2H5+ (aq) + H2O(l) N2H4 (aq) + H3O+(aq)

1
1
1
1
0.069
-0
0
-x
--x
x
0.069-x
-x
x

Ka

0.069/Ka > 1000

approx will work

[ N 2 H 4 ][H 3 O ]

[N 2 H 5 ]

KW
x2

K bBase 0.069 x
x2
5.9 10
0.069
5
x 2.0 10
9

[H3O+]=2.0x10-5
pH=4.70
23. A 375 mL sample of 0.25 M hydrofluoric acid is titrated with 0.15 M potassium hydroxide.
a) the volume of potassium hydroxide needed to reach the equivalence point
[630 mL]
b) the pH at equivalence.
[8.07]
HF (aq) +
0.25
0.375
0.094

c
V
n
MR
I
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E

KOH (aq) KF (aq) + H2O (l)

0.15
0.094([F-]=0.094 M]
0.63
1.005
0.094
0.094

F-(aq) + H2O(l) HF(aq) + OH-(aq)

1
1
1
1
0.094
-0
0
-x
--x
x
0.094-x
-x
x

Kb

[ HF ][OH ]
[F ]

KW
x2

K aAcid 0.094 x
x2
1.5 10
0.094
6
x 1.2 10
11

Ka HF=6.6x10-4
0.094/Kb > 1000

approx will work

[OH-]=1.2x10-6
pOH = -log[OH-]
pOH =5.92
pH=8.08

24. If 125 mL of 0.15 M hydrochloric acid is needed for 95 mL of ammonia to reach equivalence, find:
a) the concentration of the original ammonia solution.
[0.20 M]
b) the pH of the solution at the equivalence point.
[5.16]
HCl (aq) +
0.15
0.125
0.019

c
V
n
MR
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E

NH3 (aq) NH4Cl (aq)

0.20
0.086 ([NH4+]=0.086 M)
0.095
0.22
0.019
0.019

NH4+(aq) + H2O(l) NH3(aq) + H3O+(aq)

1
1
1
1
0.086
-0
0
-x
--x
x
0.086-x
-x
x

Kb ammonia=1.8x10-5
0.086/Ka > 1000

approx will work

[ NH 3 ][H 3O ]
Ka
[ NH 3 ]

x=6.9x10-6
[H3O+]=6.9x10-6
pH=-log[H3O+]
pH=5.16

KW
x2

K bBase 0.086 x
5.6 10 10

x2
0.086

25. If 230 mL of 0.35 M cyanic acid (Ka=3.5x10-4) is titrated with 0.25 M calcium hydroxide. Calculate:
a) the pH of the acid sample before titration.
[1.96]
b) the volume of calcium hydroxide needed to reach the equivalence point.
[160 mL]
c) the pH of the solution at the equivalence point.
[8.39]
a)
MR
I
C
E

HCNO (aq) + H2O(l) CNO- (aq) + H3O+(aq)

1
1
1
1
0.35
--0
0
-x
--+x
+x
0.35-x
---x
x

Ka

MR
I
C
E

2 HCNO (aq)
0.35
0.23
0.081

approx will work

x=1.1x10-2
[H3O+]=1.1x10-2
pH=1.96

x2
(0.35 x)

+ Ca(OH)2 (aq) Ca(CNO)2 (aq) + 2 H2O (l)

0.25
0.10 ([CNO-]=0.20 M)
0.16
0.39
0.0405
0.0405

CNO-(aq) + H2O(l) HCNO(aq) + OH-(aq)

1
1
1
1
0.20
-0
0
-x
--x
x
0.20-x
-x
x

Kb

0.35/Ka = 1000

[CNO ][H 3O ]
[ HCNO ]

3.5 10 4
b) and c)
c
V
n

Ka =3.5x10-4

[ HC 2 H 3 O2 ][OH ]

[C 2 H 3 O2 ]

KW
x2

K aAcid 0.20 x
2.9 10 11

x2
0.20

0.20/Kb > 1000

approx will work

x=2.4x10-6
[OH-]=2.4x10-6
pOH = -log[OH-]
pOH=5.62
pH=8.38

26. A 65 mL sample of 0.45 M methylamine is titrated with 0.45 M nitric acid. Calculate:
a) the pH of the base sample before titration.
[12.15]
b) the volume of nitric acid needed to reach the equivalence point.
[65 mL]
c) the pH of the solution at the equivalence point.
[5.66]
a) pH before titration
CH3NH2 (aq) + H2O(l) CH3NH3+ (aq) + OH-(aq) Kb=4.4 x 10-4
MR
1
1
1
1
0.45/Kb > 1000
I
0.45
--0
0
approx will work
C
-x
--+x
+x
E
0.45-x
---x
x

x=1.4x10-2
[CH 3 NH 3 ][OH ]
Kb
[OH-]=1.4x10-2 M
[CH 3 NH 2 ]
pOH = -log[OH-]
pOH = 1.85
x2
4.4 10 4
pH=12.15

(0.45 x)

b) and c)
c
V
n
MR
I
C
E

Ka

HNO3 (aq) + CH3NH2 (aq) CH3NH3NO3 (aq) + 2 H2O (l)

0.45
0.45
0.22 ([CH3NH3+]=0.22 M)
0.65
0.65
0.13
0.029
0.029
0.029
CH3NH3+ + H2O(l) CH3NH2 (aq) + H3O+ (aq)
1
1
1
1
0.22/Ka > 1000
0.22
-0
0
approx will work
-x
--x
x
0.22-x
-x
x

[CH 3 NH 2 ][H 3 O ]

[CH 3 NH 3 ]

KW
x2

K bBase 0.22 x
2.3 10 11

x2
0.22

x 2.2 10 6

[H3O+]=2.2x10-6
pH=-log[H3O+]
pH=5.66

27. If 65 mL of 0.20 M calcium hydroxide is need to titrate 85 mL of an unknown concentration of

nitrous acid to equivalence point, calculate:
a) the concentration of the original nitrous acid solution.
[0.31 M]
b) the pH of the solution at the equivalence point.
[8.19]
2 HNO2 (aq) + Ca(OH)2 (aq) Ca(NO2)2 (aq) + 2 H2O (l)
0.31
0.20
0.087 ([NO2-]=0.17 M)
0.085
0.065
0.15
0.026
0.013
0.013

c
V
n
MR
I
C
E

NO2-aq) + H2O(l) HNO2 (aq) + OH-(aq)

1
1
1
1
0.17
-0
0
-x
--x
x
0.17-x
-x
x

Kb

Ka =7.2x10-4
0.17/Kb > 1000

approx will work

[ HNO2 ][OH ]

x=1.5x10-6
[OH-]=1.5x10-6
pOH = -log[OH-]
pOH=5.81
pH=8.19

[ NO 2 ]

KW
x2

K aAcid 0.17 x
1.4 10 11

x2
0.17

Buffer Questions
For each of the following questions calculate the pH of a) the initial buffer, b) after the addition of the
H3O+ to the initial buffer and c) after the addition of the OH- to the initial buffer.
Question
Acid or Base
Conjugate
Volume (L)
moles of
moles of
H 3O +
OH1
0.300 mol of NH3
0.600 mol of NH4NO3
3.0
0.150
0.150
2
0.400 mol HC2H3O2
0.400 mol NaC2H3O2
2.0
0.200
0.100
3
0.250 mol H2CO3
0.200 mol NaHCO3
1.0
0.050
0.060
4
0.200 mol CH3NH2
0.150 mol CH3NH3NO3
3.0
0.020
0.030
5
0.900 mol HCN
0.800 mol NaCN
2.0
0.200
0.300
6
1.50 mol benzoic acid
1.20 mol sodium benzoate
3.0
0.600
0.300
7
0.450 mol HClO
0.350 mol KClO
1.0
0.250
0.15

Question
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Answers
Initial pH After H3O+
8.95
8.56
4.74
4.27
6.26
6.06
10.76
10.65
9.15
8.96
4.10
3.66
7.43
6.70

After OH9.26
4.96
6.49
10.92
9.47
4.30
7.77

1)

a)
MR
I
C
E

NH3 (aq) + H2O(l) NH4+ (aq) + OH-(aq)

1
1
1
1
0.10
--0.20
0
-x
--+x
+x
0.10-x
---0.20+x
x

Kb=1.8 x 10-5
0.10/Kb > 1000

approx will work

[ NH 4 ][OH ]
Kb
[ NH 3 ]
1.8 10 5

(0.20 x) x
(0.10 x)

[OH-]=9.0x10-6 M
pOH = -log[OH-]
pOH = 5.05
pH=8.95

x 9.0 10 6
If you add 0.150 mol of H3O+ in 3.0 L, the equilibrium will shift right, therefore [NH3] will
decrease to 0.050 M and [NH4+] will increase to 0.25 M

b)

MR
I
C
E

NH3 (aq) + H2O(l) NH4+ (aq) + OH-(aq)

1
1
1
1
0.050
--0.25
0
-x
--+x
+x
0.05-x
---0.25+x
x

Kb=1.8 x 10-5
0.050/Ka > 1000

approx will work

[ NH 4 ][OH ]
Kb
[ NH 3 ]
1.8 10 5

(0.25 x) x
(0.05 x)

[OH-]=3.6x10-6 M
pOH = -log[OH-]
pOH = 5.44
pH=8.56

x 3.6 10 6
If you add 0.150 mol of OH- in 3.0 L, the equilibrium will shift left, therefore [NH3] will
increase to 0.150 M and [NH4+] will decrease to 0.15 M

c)

MR
I
C
E

NH3 (aq) + H2O(l) NH4+ (aq) + OH-(aq)

1
1
1
1
0.15
--0.15
0
-x
--+x
+x
0.15-x
---0.15+x
x

Kb=1.8 x 10-5
0.15/Ka > 1000

approx will work

[ NH 4 ][OH ]
Kb
[ NH 3 ]
1.8 10 5

(0.15 x) x
(0.15 x)

x 1.8 10 5

[OH-]=3.6x10-6 M
pOH = -log[OH-]
pOH = 4.74
pH=9.26

a) HC2H3O2 (aq) + H2O(l) C2H3O2- (aq) + H3O+(aq) Ka=1.8 x 10-5

MR
1
1
1
1
0.20/Ka > 1000
I
0.20
--0.20
0
approx will work
C
-x
--+x
+x
E
0.20-x
---0.20+x
x

2)

Ka

[C 2 H 3 O2 ][H 3 O ]
[ HC 2 H 3 O2 ]

1.8 10 5

(0.20 x) x
(0.20 x)

[H3O+]=1.8x10-5
pH=-log[H3O+]
pH=4.74

x 1.8 10 5
If you add 0.200 mol H3O+ in 2.0 L, the equilibrium will shift left, therefore [HC2H3O2] will
increase to 0.30 M and [C2H3O2-] will decrease to 0.10 M

b)

HC2H3O2 (aq) + H2O(l) C2H3O2- (aq) + H3O+(aq) Ka=1.8 x 10-5

MR
1
1
1
1
0.10/Ka > 1000
I
0.30
--0.10
0
approx will work
C
-x
--+x
+x
E
0.30-x
---0.10+x
x

[C 2 H 3 O2 ][H 3 O ]
Ka
[ HC 2 H 3 O2 ]
1.8 10 5

(0.10 x) x
(0.30 x)

[H3O+]=5.4x10-5
pH=-log[H3O+]
pH=4.27

x 5.4 10 5
If you add 0.100 mol of OH- in 2.0 L, the equilibrium will shift right, therefore [HC2H3O2]
will decrease to 0.150 M and [C2H3O2-] will increase to 0.25 M

c)

MR
I
C
E

HC2H3O2 (aq)
1
0.15
-x
0.15-x

+ H2O(l) C2H3O2- (aq) + H3O+(aq) Ka=1.8 x 10-5

1
1
1
0.15/Ka > 1000
--0.25
0
approx will work
--+x
+x
---0.25+x
x

[C 2 H 3 O2 ][H 3 O ]
Ka
[ HC 2 H 3 O2 ]
1.8 10 5

(0.25 x) x
(0.15 x)

x 1.1 10 5

[H3O+]=1.1x10-5
pH=-log[H3O+]
pH=4.96

3) a)

H2CO3 (aq) + H2O(l) HCO3- (aq) + H3O+(aq)

MR
1
1
1
1
I
0.25
--0.20
0
C
-x
--+x
+x
E
0.25-x
---0.20+x
x

Ka=4.4 x 10-7
0.20/Ka > 1000

approx will work

Ka

[ HCO3 ][H 3 O ]
[ H 2 CO3 ]

4.4 10 7

(0.20 x) x
(0.25 x)

[H3O+]=5.5x10-7
pH=-log[H3O+]
pH=6.26

x 5.5 10 7
If you add 0. 050 mol H3O+ in 1.0 L, the equilibrium will shift left, therefore [H2CO3] will
increase to 0.30 M and [HCO3-] will decrease to 0.15 M

b)

H2CO3 (aq) + H2O(l) HCO3- (aq) + H3O+(aq)

MR
1
1
1
1
I
0.30
--0.15
0
C
-x
--+x
+x
E
0.30-x
---0.15+x
x

Ka=4.4 x 10-7
0.15/Ka > 1000

approx will work

[ HCO3 ][H 3 O ]
Ka
[ H 2 CO3 ]
4.4 10 7

(0.15 x) x
(0.30 x)

[H3O+]=8.8x10-7
pH=-log[H3O+]
pH=6.06

x 8.8 10 7
If you add 0.060 mol of OH- in 1.0 L, the equilibrium will shift right, therefore [H2CO3] will
decrease to 0.150 M and [HCO3-] will increase to 0.25 M

c)

MR
I
C
E

H2CO3 (aq) + H2O(l) HCO3- (aq) + H3O+(aq)

Ka=4.4 x 10-7
1
1
1
1
0.19/Ka > 1000
0.19
--0.26
0
approx will work
-x
--+x
+x
0.19-x
---0.26+x
x

[ HCO3 ][H 3 O ]
Ka
[ H 2 CO3 ]
4.4 10 7

(0.26 x) x
(0.19 x)

x 3.2 10 7

[H3O+]=3.2x10-7
pH=-log[H3O+]
pH=6.49

4)

a)
MR
I
C
E

CH3NH2 (aq) + H2O(l) CH3NH3+ (aq) + OH-(aq) Kb=4.4 x 10-4

1
1
1
1
0.05/Kb < 1000
0.067
--0.05
0
approx will not work
-x
--+x
+x
0.067-x
---0.05+x
x

Kb

[CH 3 NH 3 ][OH ]
[CH 3 NH 2 ]

4.4 10 4

(0.050 x) x
(0.067 x)

x 2 0.050 x 2.9 10 5 0

x1=5.7x10-4 x2=-0.051
[OH-]=5.7x10-4 M
pOH = -log[OH-]
pOH = 3.24
pH=10.76

a=1, b=0.050, c= -2.9x10-5

b)

If you add 0.020 mol of H3O+ in 3.0 L, the equilibrium will shift right, therefore [CH3NH2]
will decrease to 0.060 M and [CH3NH3+] will increase to 0.25 M
CH3NH2 (aq) + H2O(l) CH3NH3+ (aq) + OH-(aq) Kb=4.4 x 10-4
MR
1
1
1
1
0.057/Kb < 1000
I
0.060
--0.057
0
approx will not work
C
-x
--+x
+x
E
0.060-x
---0.057+x
x

Kb

[CH 3 NH 3 ][OH ]
[CH 3 NH 2 ]

4.4 10

(0.057 x ) x

(0.060 x)

x 2 0.057 x 2.6 10 5 0

x1=4.5x10-4 x2=-0.057
[OH-]=4.5x10-4 M
pOH = -log[OH-]
pOH = 3.35
pH=10.65

a=1, b=0.057, c= -2.6x10-5

c)

If you add 0.030 mol of OH- in 3.0 L, the equilibrium will shift left, therefore [CH3NH2] will
increase to 0.077 M and [CH3NH3+] will decrease to 0.040 M
CH3NH2 (aq) + H2O(l) CH3NH3+ (aq) + OH-(aq)
Kb=4.4 x 10-4
MR
1
1
1
1
0.040/ Kb < 1000
I
0.077
--0.040
0
approx will not work
C
-x
--+x
+x
E
0.077-x
---0.040+x
x

[CH 3 NH 3 ][OH ]
Kb
[CH 3 NH 2 ]
4.4 10 4

(0.040 x) x
(0.077 x)

x 2 0.040 x 3.4 10 5 0
a=1, b=0.040, c= -3.4x10-5

x1=8.3x10-4 x2=-0.041
[OH-]=8.3x10-4 M
pOH = -log[OH-]
pOH = 3.08
pH=10.92

5) a)
MR
I
C
E

HCN (aq) + H2O(l) CN- (aq) + H3O+(aq)

1
1
1
1
0.45
--0.40
0
-x
--+x
+x
0.45-x
---0.40+x
x

[CN ][H 3O ]
[ HCN ]
(0.40 x) x
6.2 10 10
(0.45 x)
Ka

Ka=6.2 x 10-10
0.40/Ka > 1000

approx will work

[H3O+]=7.0x10-10
pH=-log[H3O+]
pH=9.15

x 7.0 10 10
If you add 0.200 mol H3O+ in 2.0 L, the equilibrium will shift left, therefore [HCN] will
increase to 0.55 M and [CN-] will decrease to 0.30 M

b)

MR
I
C
E

HCN (aq) + H2O(l) CN- (aq) + H3O+(aq)

1
1
1
1
0.55
--0.30
0
-x
--+x
+x
0.55-x
---0.30+x
x

Ka=6.2 x 10-10
0.30/Ka > 1000

approx will work

Ka

[C 2 H 3 O2 ][H 3 O ]
[ HC 2 H 3 O2 ]

6.2 10 10

(0.30 x) x
(0.55 x)

[H3O+]=1.1x10-9
pH=-log[H3O+]
pH=8.96

x 1.1 10 9
If you add 0.300 mol of OH- in 2.0 L, the equilibrium will shift right, therefore [HCN] will
decrease to 0.30 M and [CN-] will increase to 0.55 M

c)

MR
I
C
E

HCN (aq) + H2O(l) CN- (aq) + H3O+(aq)

1
1
1
1
0.30
--0.55
0
-x
--+x
+x
0.30-x
---0.55+x
x

Ka=6.2 x 10-10
0.30/Ka > 1000

approx will work

Ka

[C 2 H 3 O2 ][H 3 O ]
[ HC 2 H 3 O2 ]

6.2 10 10

(0.55 x) x
(0.30 x)

x 3.4 10 10

[H3O+]=1.1x10-5
pH=-log[H3O+]
pH=9.47

6) a)

HC7H5O2 (aq) + H2O(l) C7H5O2- (aq) + H3O+(aq) Ka=6.3 x 10-5

MR
1
1
1
1
0.40/Ka > 1000
I
0.50
--0.40
0
approx will work
C
-x
--+x
+x
E
0.50-x
---0.40+x
x

Ka

[C 7 H 5 O2 ][H 3 O ]
[ HC7 H 5 O2 ]

6.3 10 5

(0.40 x) x
(0.50 x)

[H3O+]=7.9x10-5
pH=-log[H3O+]
pH=4.10

x 7.9 10 5
If you add 0.600 mol of H3O+ in 3.0 L, the equilibrium will shift left, therefore [HC7H5O2]
will increase to 0.70 M and [C7H5O2-] will decrease to 0.20 M

b)

HC7H5O2 (aq) + H2O(l) C7H5O2- (aq) + H3O+(aq) Ka=6.3 x 10-5

MR
1
1
1
1
0.20/Ka > 1000
I
0.70
--0.20
0
approx will work
C
-x
--+x
+x
E
0.70-x
---0.20+x
x

[C 2 H 3 O2 ][H 3 O ]
Ka
[ HC 2 H 3 O2 ]
6.3 10 5

(0.20 x) x
(0.70 x)

[H3O+]=2.2x10-4
pH=-log[H3O+]
pH=3.66

x 2.2 10 4
If you add 0.300 mol of OH- in 3.0 L, the equilibrium will shift right, therefore [HC2H3O2]
will decrease to 0.40 M and [C2H3O2-] will increase to 0.50 M

c)

MR
I
C
E

HC7H5O2 (aq)
1
0.40
-x
0.40-x

+ H2O(l) C7H5O2- (aq) + H3O+(aq) Ka=6.3 x 10-5

1
1
1
0.40/Ka > 1000
--0.50
0
approx will work
--+x
+x
---0.50+x
x

[C 2 H 3 O2 ][H 3 O ]
Ka
[ HC 2 H 3 O2 ]
6.3 10 5

(0.50 x) x
(0.40 x)

x 5.0 10 5

[H3O+]=1.1x10-5
pH=-log[H3O+]
pH=4.30

7) a)

HClO (aq) + H2O(l) ClO- (aq) + H3O+(aq)

MR
1
1
1
1
I
0.45
--0.35
0
C
-x
--+x
+x
E
0.45-x
---0.35+x
x

Ka

[ClO ][H 3 O ]
[ HClO2 ]

2.9 10 8

(0.35 x) x
(0.45 x)

Ka=2.9 x 10-8
0.35/Ka > 1000

approx will work

[H3O+]=3.7x10-8
pH=-log[H3O+]
pH=7.43

x 3.7 10 8
If you add 0.25 mol of H3O+ in 1.0 L, the equilibrium will shift left, therefore [HClO] will
increase to 0.70 M and [ClO -] will decrease to 0.10 M

b)

HClO (aq) + H2O(l) ClO- (aq) + H3O+(aq)

MR
1
1
1
1
I
0.70
--0.10
0
C
-x
--+x
+x
E
0.70-x
---0.10+x
x

Ka

[ClO ][H 3 O ]
[ HClO2 ]

2.9 10 8

(0.10 x) x
(0.70 x)

Ka=2.9 x 10-8
0.10/Ka > 1000

approx will work

[H3O+]=2.0x10-7
pH=-log[H3O+]
pH=6.69

x 2.0 10 7
If you add 0.15 mol of OH- in 1.0 L, the equilibrium will shift right, therefore [HClO] will
decrease to 0.30 M and [ClO -] will increase to 0.50 M

c)

MR
I
C
E

HClO (aq) + H2O(l) ClO- (aq) + H3O+(aq)

1
1
1
1
0.30
--0.50
0
-x
--+x
+x
0.30-x
---0.50+x
x

Ka

[ClO ][H 3 O ]
[ HClO2 ]

2.9 10 8

(0.50 x) x
(0.30 x)

x 1.7 10 8

Ka=2.9 x 10-8
0.30/Ka > 1000

approx will work

[H3O+]=1.7x10-8
pH=-log[H3O+]
pH=7.77