Concentration of ammonia in a solution

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the concentration of ammonia in a solution based on its pH and the base dissociation constant (Kb). Participants explore the relationship between pH, pOH, and the concentrations of ammonia and its ions, focusing on the equilibrium expressions involved.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for help in determining the concentration of ammonia (NH3) given the pH of the solution and the Kb value.
  • Another participant suggests that the concentrations of NH4+ and OH- will be equal at equilibrium, prompting a calculation of pOH from pH.
  • A participant calculates the pOH and derives the concentration of OH- and NH4+, proposing a formula for [NH3] based on the equilibrium expression.
  • There is a suggestion to plug in values to check if the calculated concentration aligns with expected results.
  • One participant reports a calculated concentration of ammonia, expressing uncertainty about its reasonableness.
  • Another participant questions whether the derived concentration is reasonable, noting it should represent the equilibrium concentration.
  • There is a discrepancy in reported concentrations, with one participant stating a value of 2.21 x 10^-7 and another stating 2.21 x 10^-6, indicating confusion or error in calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the correctness of their calculations, with no consensus on the final concentration of ammonia. Multiple competing values are presented without agreement on which is accurate.

Contextual Notes

Participants rely on the assumption that the relationship between pH, pOH, and concentrations holds true, but there is no resolution on the accuracy of the calculated values or the steps taken to derive them.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or individuals seeking to understand the calculations involved in determining concentrations in acid-base equilibria, particularly in the context of ammonia solutions.

sveioen
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Hello all,

I had chemistry a long time ago, but now I am very rusty at it :frown: so I am hoping you can get me started with this problem I have;

A particular solution of ammonia (Kb = 1.8 x 10-5) has a pH of 8.3.
What is the concentration of ammonia in this solution?

Is it the concentration of NH3 I have to find? I know I can find [OH-] since I know the pH, but what does the final equation look like? Something like Kb=[OH-][NH4+]/[NH3]?

Thank you for any help!
 
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NH4 and OH- is going to have same amount of equilibrium concentration gained from the NH3. So If you know the pH, then how do you find the pOH, and what is the concentration of OH-? Multiply both sides by NH3 and divide bothsides by Kb. What happens?
 
Ok, so pOH = 14 - pH = 14 - 8,3 = 5,7. Concentration of OH- and NH4 is therefore 1,995 \times 10^{-6}? And then [NH3] = \frac{[OH^-][NH4^+]}{K_b}?
 
So plug the values and see what you get, I hope this answer agree with the true answer, does it?? If not tell me.
 
I got 2,21 \times 10^{-7}, which seems reasonable I guess. Maybe a bit low?!
 
You don't have the answer? It should be reasonable right? because its the equilibrum concentration right?
 
Nope don't have answer (yet) :(, but it seems kinda right.. Probably is equilibrum concentration..
 
sveioen said:
I got 2,21 \times 10^{-7}, which seems reasonable I guess. Maybe a bit low?!
I got 2,21 \times 10^{-6} instead.
 

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