Solve an equilibrium problem (using an ICE table) to calculate the pH of each solution. b solution that is 0.15 M in HCHO2 and 0.25 M in NaCHO2

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Identify the weak acid and its conjugate base in the solution. HCHO_2 is the weak acid (formic acid), and NaCHO_2 provides the conjugate base, CHO_2^- (formate ion).

Write the equilibrium expression for the dissociation of the weak acid: HCHO_2 \rightleftharpoons H^+ + CHO_2^-.

Set up an ICE table (Initial, Change, Equilibrium) to track the concentrations of each species. Initially, [HCHO_2] = 0.15 M, [CHO_2^-] = 0.25 M, and [H^+] = 0 M.

Use the expression for the acid dissociation constant, K_a, to relate the concentrations at equilibrium: K_a = \frac{[H^+][CHO_2^-]}{[HCHO_2]}.

Assume x is the change in concentration of H^+ and CHO_2^- at equilibrium, and solve for x using the K_a value for formic acid. Then, calculate the pH as pH = -\log[H^+].

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Key Concepts

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

Equilibrium and ICE Tables

Equilibrium refers to the state where the concentrations of reactants and products remain constant over time. An ICE table (Initial, Change, Equilibrium) is a tool used to organize the concentrations of species involved in a chemical reaction at different stages. It helps in calculating the changes in concentration as the system reaches equilibrium, which is essential for solving equilibrium problems.

Weak Acids and Conjugate Bases

In this problem, HCHO2 (formic acid) is a weak acid, and NaCHO2 (sodium formate) is its conjugate base. Weak acids do not fully dissociate in solution, establishing an equilibrium between the undissociated acid and its ions. Understanding the properties of weak acids and their conjugate bases is crucial for calculating pH, as they influence the solution's acidity and the equilibrium constant (Ka).

Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation

The Henderson-Hasselbalch equation is a formula used to calculate the pH of a buffer solution. It relates the pH to the pKa of the weak acid and the ratio of the concentrations of the conjugate base to the weak acid. This equation is particularly useful in this scenario, as it allows for the direct calculation of pH using the concentrations of HCHO2 and NaCHO2, simplifying the equilibrium analysis.

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Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation

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