Acid-Base System: Identify Bases & Weaker Acid

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around an acid-base equilibrium system, specifically analyzing the roles of bases and acids, the strength of these acids and bases, and the effects of adding a soluble salt on the equilibrium. The scope includes theoretical aspects of acid-base chemistry and equilibrium concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant identifies the bases competing for protons as B- and X-.
  • Another participant claims that B- is the stronger base because it readily accepts protons.
  • It is proposed that HB is the weaker acid compared to HX, as HX more readily donates protons.
  • A participant suggests that the equilibrium constant (K) for the system is large, indicating that product formation is strongly favored.
  • There is a question about the effect of adding NaB, with one participant speculating that it would shift the equilibrium to the left by producing more HX.
  • A metaphor involving apple pies is introduced to illustrate the concept of equilibrium, questioning whether the addition of more "apple slices" (analogous to B-) would require more "pies" (analogous to HX) to maintain equilibrium.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints on the strength of acids and bases, as well as the implications of adding NaB, indicating that multiple competing views remain. The metaphorical example introduced does not resolve the scientific questions but adds a layer of conceptual exploration.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the behavior of acids and bases in equilibrium, but these assumptions are not explicitly stated. The metaphor may introduce ambiguity regarding the chemical concepts being discussed.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to students and enthusiasts of chemistry, particularly those exploring acid-base equilibria and the conceptual understanding of equilibrium dynamics.

Styx
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The formation of products is strongly favoured in this acid-base system:
[tex]HX + B^- \rightleftharpoons HB + X^-[/tex]

a) Identify the bases competing for protons
b) Which base is stronger?
c) Which is the weaker acid, HX or HB?
d) Does the K for this system have a large or small value?
e) How is the equilibrium affected by the addition of the soluble salt NaB?

I chose:

a) B- and X-
b) B- is the stronger base as it readily accepts protons
c) HB is the weaker acid as HX more readily donates protons
d) large. Since the system strongly favours the formation of product.

e) Now maybe I am wrong but wouldn't adding more B- cause it to react with it to react with X- producing HX which would shift the equilibrium to the left (increase the reverse reaction)? Does that sound right?
 
Last edited:
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lets say you make apple pies and i like to pick out the apple slices from the pies. if i pick out the slices at the same rate you make the pies, we're at equilibrium. let's say someone gives me a bunch of apple slices. will you have to make more pies to attain equilibrium once more, or will i have to pick out more apple slices?

does this make sense?
 
Yes, suddenly I'm hungry for apple pie...
 
I never knew chemistry could taste so good!

Thanks gradeaswimr, makes sense to me.
 

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