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NOP90
Nov19-10, 09:16 PM
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
The Ka of hypochlorous acid (HClO) is 3.0*10^-8 at 25 degrees C. What is the % ionisation of hypochlorous acid in a 0.015M aqueous solution of HClO at 25 degrees Celcius

The answer is 0.14

2. Relevant equations
-log[H+], n = cV, pH = pKa + log (base/acid), x/y*100=%


3. The attempt at a solution
I tried -log3*10^-8 and got 7.5. Not to sure what to do with that.

symbolipoint
Nov20-10, 02:12 AM
Was the "0.015" actually the FORMAL concentration of the acid? If we assume that the concentration really was meant as 0.015M of the weak acid, then

\[
\frac{{\left[ x \right]\left[ x \right]}}{{0.015 - x}} = Ka = 3 \times 10^{ - 8}
\]
, where x represents approximately the amount of moles per liter of HClO which actually ionizes.

Borek
Nov20-10, 04:12 AM
NOP90, have you heard about ICE tables?