Calculate Percent Dissociation of HBrO

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the percent dissociation of 0.063 M Hydrobromous acid (HBrO) using its acid dissociation constant (K_a) of 2.3 x 10^-9. The user initially calculated the dissociation incorrectly, arriving at 0.02%, which was deemed incorrect due to significant figure requirements. The correct approach involves using the equilibrium expression and ensuring proper significant figures, leading to a final answer of approximately 0.019%. The importance of accurate K_a values and their variations is also highlighted.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of acid dissociation constants (K_a)
  • Knowledge of equilibrium expressions in chemical reactions
  • Familiarity with significant figures in scientific calculations
  • Basic concepts of weak acids and their dissociation
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the calculation of percent dissociation for weak acids
  • Learn about the impact of significant figures on chemical calculations
  • Explore variations in K_a values for different sources
  • Study equilibrium constants and their applications in chemical equilibria
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, educators, and anyone involved in acid-base chemistry or seeking to improve their understanding of equilibrium calculations.

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Here is what should be an easy problem that I am somehow messing up

Homework Statement


Calculate the percent dissociation of 0.063 M Hydrobromous acid, HBrO. Do not solve the quadratic equation even if the percent dissociation is high.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I looked up K_a and found it to be 2.3*10^-9. After doing an equilibrium chart I got that x^2 = (2.3*10^9)(0.63). Therefore, x = 1.20 * 10^-5. I then divided this by 0.063 and multiplied by 100. I got 0.02% as a final answer. This does not sound right due to the hint and I was told it was wrong (online homework.

For the equilibrium table I just assumed that
HBrO + H2O <--> H3O + BrO.

Thanks for any help. I don't know why I am having so much trouble with this one.
 
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There's a couple typos in there, but the method looks okay, and I get a similar answer. Also, it's strange that they do not give you a value of the Ka to use. Reported values are notoriously different. I've just looked and found several values between 2.0 and 2.5 (times 10-9M). Also, the software that checks your homework might require some specific number of sig figs (you've only got one).
 
Yeah, it was sig figs. 0.019. Thanks. Sorry for to use you guys for such a problem.
 

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