The Neutrality of NaCl: Comparing H+ and Ac-

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the neutrality of sodium chloride (NaCl) and its impact on pH levels in solution. Participants clarify that NaCl does not alter pH because it is a neutral salt, while contrasting it with acetic acid (HAc) and its salt, sodium acetate (NaAc). The key distinction lies in the behavior of strong acids like hydrochloric acid (HCl), which dissociates completely, versus weak acids like acetic acid, which only partially dissociate, leading to different interactions with H+ ions. This understanding is crucial for grasping acid-base chemistry.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of acid-base chemistry principles
  • Knowledge of strong vs. weak acids
  • Familiarity with pH scale and its measurement
  • Basic concepts of salt formation and dissociation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the dissociation of strong acids like HCl in aqueous solutions
  • Study the behavior of weak acids, focusing on acetic acid and its equilibrium
  • Explore the concept of buffer solutions and their role in pH stability
  • Learn about the interactions between ions in solution, particularly H+ and acetate (Ac-)
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, educators, and professionals in fields related to chemical analysis, particularly those focusing on acid-base reactions and solution chemistry.

Kqwert
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Homework Statement
Hello,

I have two similar tasks here, but I don't really see any similarities in how they are "treated".

First question:

Calculate the pH of 0.01M NaCl.


Second question:

Find pH if you dissolve 0.2 mol NaAc and 0.1 mol HCl in water.
Relevant Equations
.
First question:
Here they just conclude that NaCl is neither acidic or basic, and that pH is unchanged.Second question:
Here I thought that the pH would just be the concentration of HCl, as NaAc is a salt, but in the solution they instead say that H+ will combine with Ac- to form HAc. Why is these two questions different? To me they seem very similar...
 
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Acetic acid is a weak acid, hydrochloric acid is a strong acid.
 
Thanks! so Cl- reacting with H+ would just result in Cl- and H+ ions back again, as HCl is a strong acid? Where as for the second case H+ will react with Ac- to form, and some of the HAc will remain undissolved undissociated as it is a weak acid?
 
Last edited:
Undissociated, not undissolved.
 
Thank you! I edited my post, is it correct now?
 
Yes
 
Correct, but you have not pushed anything as far as answering the questions.
 

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