Finding pH of an Acid with Added OH-: Ka and the Quadratic Equation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the pH of a weak acid solution after the addition of hydroxide ions (OH-). Participants explore the implications of the acid dissociation constant (Ka) and the quadratic equation in determining the pH, as well as the effects of dilution and concentration changes on the pH calculation.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a calculation for the pH of a 0.1 mol acid using the expression for Ka and concludes with a pH of 4.5 before adding OH-.
  • After adding 0.01 mol of OH-, the same participant attempts to recalculate the pH, leading to a derived concentration of 9x10^-8, but questions whether this concentration represents [OH-] or [H+].
  • Another participant expresses confusion regarding the volume or concentration units used in the calculations, suggesting that the pH might have been derived from moles rather than molarity.
  • A different participant seeks clarification on the calculations presented, asking for the original problem statement and an explanation of the steps taken.
  • One participant asserts that the concentration of 9x10^-8 represents both [OH-] and [H+] since the pH is 7, indicating that these concentrations must be equal.
  • Another participant proposes a method for calculating pH by first determining pOH from the initial pH and then using that to find the concentration of OH- before converting back to pH.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and clarity regarding the calculations and concepts involved. There is no consensus on the best method for calculating pH in this scenario, and multiple interpretations of the results are presented.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note potential confusion regarding the use of moles versus molarity in the calculations, which may affect the interpretation of the results. The discussion also highlights the complexity of the relationships between [H+], [OH-], and pH in the context of weak acid equilibria.

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__________HA <------> H+ + A-
initial (mol) .1 ________ 0 ___ 0
change __ -x _______ +x ___ +x
final _____.1-x _______ x ___ x

Ka = 10^-8
find pH of .1 mol acid
since ka X 100 = 10^-6 < .1 can use initial concentration: .1-x = .1

Ka = [H+][A-]/[HA]
10^-8=x^2/.1
x=[H+]= 3.16x10^-5
pH = 4.5

now add .01 mols of OH- and see how it changes the pH

Ka=x[3.16x10^-5 + .01]/(.1 - .01)
10^-8 = .01x/.09
x=9x10^-8

-log(9x10^-8) = pH of 7 (also a pOH of 7)

what is the 9x10^-8 ion concentration representing, the [OH-] or [H+] ions?

if it's the [OH-] then shouldn't it be 14-pOH = pH
14-7=7

is this formula the best way find the pH in this case?
Ka=x([H+] + [OH-])/([HA] - [OH-])
 
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A little confused- can you give some indication as to volume/amount. I don't know if I am reading that right but you seem to have derrived pH from moles rather than mol dm-3- I'm a little tired at the moment so I don't know though.
 
now add .01 mols of OH- and see how it changes the pH

Ka=x[3.16x10^-5 + .01]/(.1 - .01)
10^-8 = .01x/.09
x=9x10^-8

I'm not quite sure what you did here could you post the actual problem and then explain what you did above
 
what is the 9x10^-8 ion concentration representing, the [OH-] or [H+] ions?

to answer this question the 9*10^-8 represents both the OH- and the H+ since your pH is 7 those two concentrations have to be equal
 
Okay i got it see if you follow me

your going to take 14-4.5=pOH then take 10^-pOH=[OH-] + the [.01] your adding, that equals .01 then take the -log.01=pOH 14-pOH=pH
 

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