Calculate the percent ionization of a formic acid solution having the given concentration. d. 0.0500 M

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insert step 1> Calculate the initial concentration of formic acid, which is given as 0.0500 M.

insert step 2> Write the ionization equation for formic acid: \( \text{HCOOH} \rightleftharpoons \text{H}^+ + \text{HCOO}^- \).

insert step 3> Set up an ICE (Initial, Change, Equilibrium) table to determine the concentrations of all species at equilibrium. Assume the change in concentration of \( \text{H}^+ \) and \( \text{HCOO}^- \) is \( x \).

insert step 4> Use the expression for the acid dissociation constant \( K_a \) for formic acid: \( K_a = \frac{[\text{H}^+][\text{HCOO}^-]}{[\text{HCOOH}]} \). Substitute the equilibrium concentrations from the ICE table into this expression.

insert step 5> Solve for \( x \), which represents the concentration of \( \text{H}^+ \) ions at equilibrium. Calculate the percent ionization using the formula: \( \text{Percent Ionization} = \left( \frac{x}{0.0500} \right) \times 100 \).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Ionization of Weak Acids

Weak acids, like formic acid, do not completely dissociate in solution. Instead, they establish an equilibrium between the undissociated acid and its ions. The extent of this ionization is characterized by the acid dissociation constant (Ka), which quantifies the strength of the acid and its ability to donate protons.

Percent Ionization

Percent ionization is a measure of the degree to which an acid dissociates in solution, expressed as a percentage. It is calculated using the formula: (concentration of ionized acid / initial concentration of acid) × 100%. This value helps in understanding the strength of the acid and its behavior in different concentrations.

Equilibrium Calculations

To calculate percent ionization, one must set up an equilibrium expression based on the initial concentration of the acid and the change in concentration due to ionization. This involves using the ICE (Initial, Change, Equilibrium) table to determine the concentrations of the species at equilibrium, which are then used to find the percent ionization.