Chemistry 12 Notes on Unit 4—Acids and Bases

Ionization of Water
DEMONSTRATION OF CONDUCTIVITY OF TAP WATER AND DISTILLED WATER
- Pure distilled water still has a small conductivity. Why?
- There are a few ions present.
- Almost all the pure water is H2O molecules.
- But every once in a while, this happens:

H + H -
O + H H O + O

H H O H H
A proton is transferred Hydronium Hydroxide
From one water molecule to
another.
An equilibrium
is established
Equation:

Ionization of Water H 2O + H 2O H3O+ + OH-

Or

2H2O(l) H3O+(aq) + OH-(aq)

Process is Endothermic

2H2O(l) + 59KJ H3O+(aq) + OH-(aq)

All water or aqueous solutions

contain these.

In neutral water [H3O+] = [OH-]

In acidic solutions [H3O+] > [OH-] Know these!!
In basic solutions [OH-] > [H3O+]

Write the Keq Expression for this equilibrium: Keq =

59KJ + 2H2O(l) H3O+(aq) + OH-(aq)

Keq = [H3O+] [OH] (liquid water left out)

Ionization
Given a special name for ionization of water—called Kw constant
for water
So Kw = [H3O+] [OH-]

Always true at any temp!

Chemistry 12-Notes of Unit 4—Acids and Bases Page 13

Chemistry 12 Notes on Unit 4—Acids and Bases

Since reaction is endothermic: 59KJ + 2H2O(l) H3O+(aq) + OH-(aq)

At higher temps _________________________ are favoured and Kw is _____________er.

At lower temps _________________________ are favoured and Kw is _____________er.

At 25oC (only) Kw = 1.00 x 10-14 Know this!!

At 100C Kw = 0.295 x 10-14 (smaller)
For
At 600C Kw = 9.55 x 10-14 (larger)
comparison

So Always: [H3O+] [OH-] = Kw

At 250C only: [H3O+] [OH-] = 1.00 x 10-14

[H3O+] & [OH-] in Neutral Water

At 25oC (NOTE: Assume Temp = 25oC unless otherwise noted)

[H3O+] [OH-] = 1.00 x 10-14

and [H3O+] = [OH-] if water is neutral. (If “water” is mentioned in a problem, it can be assumed to be
NEUTRAL unless otherwise stated!)
(substitute. [H3O+] for [OH-])

[H3O+] [H3O+] = 1.00 x 10-14

[H3O+]2 = 1.00 x 10-14

[H3O+] = 1.00 x 10-14 = 1.00 x 10-7 M

Also [OH-] = [H3O+] = 1.00 x 10-7 M

At Higher Temp

Given: Kw at 600C = 9.55 x 10-14

Calculate [H3O+] & [OH-] at 600C

Chemistry 12-Notes of Unit 4—Acids and Bases Page 14

Chemistry 12 Notes on Unit 4—Acids and Bases

[H3O+] & [OH-] in Acids and Bases

2H2O(l) H3O+(aq) + OH-(aq)

Add acid, H3O+ increases, so equilibrium shifts LEFT and [OH-] decreases

All acids produce

H3O+ in water

Add base, [OH-] increases, so the equilibrium shifts LEFT and [H3O+] decreases.

Finding [H3O+] and [OH-] in Acids and Bases

At 250C

Eg.) Find the [OH-] in 0.0100 M HCl

In a Strong Acid ([H3O+] = [acid])

[H3O+] = 0.0100 M

[H3O+][OH-] = 1.00 x 10-14

[OH-] = 1.00 x 10-14 = 1.00 x 10-14 = 1.00 x 10-12 M

[H3O+] 1.00 x 10-2

[OH-] is less in
an acid than in
neutral water.
Find [H3O+] in 0.300 M NaOH.

[H3O+][OH-] = 1.00 x 10-14

[H3O+] = 1.00 x 10-14 = 1.00 x 10-14 = 3.33 x 10-14

[OH-] 0.300 [H3O+] is very low
in a strong fairly
concentrated base

Find [H3O+] in 0.020 M Ba(OH)2 In a STRONG BASE, [OH-] = [base] x # of OH’s

[OH-] = ? ( )M

[H3O+] = 1.00 x 10-14 = ____________M

( )

Chemistry 12-Notes of Unit 4—Acids and Bases Page 15

Chemistry 12 Notes on Unit 4—Acids and Bases

At Other Temps
- you’d be given Kw

eg.) Kw at 600C = 9.55 x 10-14

Calculate [OH-] in 0.00600 M HNO3 at 600C.

[H3O+][OH-] = Kw SA

[H3O+][OH-] = 9.55 x 10-14

[OH-] = 9.55 x 10-14 = 1.59 x 10-11 M

0.00600

Rd. pg. 126-127 Ex. 28-30 pg. 127 of SW.

pH
-Shorthand method of showing acidity (or basicity, alkalinity)

If [H3O+] = 0.10 M (1.0 x 10-1 M) pH = 1.00

[H3O+] = 0.00010 M (1.0 x10-4 M) pH = 4.00

Definition of pH
pH= -log10 [H3O+] (assume log = log10)

If [H3O+] = 1.0 x 10-7

pH = -log (1.0 x 10-7 )

Regular Scientific Calculator. Enter: 1 EXP 7 +/- LOG +/- and the answer should be 7

For DAL (Sharp) calc. Enter: +/- log 1 Exp +/- 7 = and the answer should be 7

For a TI 83 Enter (-) LOG 1 2nd EE (-) 7 ENTER and the answer should be 7

Use the (-) button at the bottom right of the

white pad. NOT the “—“ on the far right

NOTE: If you are using a DAL or a TI 83 calculator and the number you want to find the pH of is the answer to a an
ongoing calculation, leave the answer to your calculation in the calculator and press (-) or +/- log 2nd ANS
ENTER ( or =).

Practice finding pH’s on your own calculator. You will be doing many of these in the rest of this unit and it’s
important that you can do it quickly and easily and accurately!

Chemistry 12-Notes of Unit 4—Acids and Bases Page 16

Chemistry 12 Notes on Unit 4—Acids and Bases

Find the pH of 0.030 M HCl

SA. So [H3O+] = [acid]

2 SD’s

[H3O+] = 0.030 M

pH= -log (0.030) = 1.522878745

How to round off??

Sig. Digits in pH start at decimal point!!!

1.52287….. so pH = 1.52

Start No units
counting for pH
here.

Find the pH of neutral water at 250 C

[H3O+] = 1.00 x 10-7

pH = 7.000

Find the pH of 0.00100 M NaOH at 250 C

Basic
solution
[H3O+] = 1.00 x 10-14 = 1.00 x 10-11 M
0.00100

[OH-] so pH = 11.000
3 sig.
digits

At 25 oC

In neutral water pH = 7.0

In acid solution pH < 7.0
In basic solution pH > 7.0

pH Scale (@ 25oC)

More Acidic Neutral More Basic

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Chemistry 12-Notes of Unit 4—Acids and Bases Page 17

Chemistry 12 Notes on Unit 4—Acids and Bases

Calculate pH of 12.0 M HCl Very concentrated Acid !

Answer ________________________

Another example: Calculate the pH of 15.0 M NaOH:

[H3O+] = 1.00 x 10-14 = 6.67 x 10-16 M

15.0
pH = -log (6.67 x 10-16)
pH = 15.176
Very concentrated Base

Converting pH to [H3O+]
pH = - log [H3O+]
-pH = log [H3O+]
antilog (-pH) = [H3O+]

or [H3O+] = antilog (-pH)

3 SD’s Put in (-) before

you take the
antilog
eg.) If pH = 11.612 , find [H3O+]

[H3O+] = antilog (-11.612)

For regular Scientific Calculator:

Enter: 11.612 +/- 2nd log The calculator answer should be 2.443430553 x 10-12

The original pH had 3 SD’s, so the answer must also have 3 SD’s (Remember the answer is NOT a pH, so digits to
the LEFT of the decimal point are also significant!) . Remember that concentration also has a unit!. So the answer
would be reported as:

[H3O+] = 2.44 x 10-12 M

unit
3 SD’s

For a DAL or TI 83 enter: 2nd log (-) (or +/-) 11.612 ENTER (or =)

If pH = 3.924 calculate [H3O+]

Chemistry 12-Notes of Unit 4—Acids and Bases Page 18

Chemistry 12 Notes on Unit 4—Acids and Bases

Logarithmic Nature of pH

A change of 1 pH unit a factor of 10 in [H3O+] or (acidity)

eg.) pH = 3.0 [H3O+] = 1 x 10-3 M

pH goes 10 times more acidic
down 1 unit
pH = 2.0 [H3O+] = 1 x 10-2 M

How many times more acidic is pH 3 than pH 7?

pH 7 [H3O+] = 1 x 10-7
x 104 = 10,000x

pH 3 [H3O+] = 1 x 10-3

or taking antilog of difference in pH 7–3=4

antilog 4 = 104 = 10,000 times
(remember lower pH more acidic)

Natural rainwater pH ~ 6
Extremely acidic acid rain pH ~ 3 diff = 3 & antilog (3) = 103 (1,000)
So, the acid rain is 1000 times more acidic than natural rain water!

pOH
pOH = -log [OH-]

And [OH-] = antilog (-pOH)

Calculate the pOH of 0.0020 M KOH

[OH-] = 2.0 x 10-3 M

pOH = -log (2.0 x 10-3 ) = 2.70

Find the pH of the same solution:

[OH-] = 2.0 x 10-3 M

[H3O+] = 1.00 x 10-14 = 5.0 x 10-12
2.0 x 10-3
pH = 11.30

Notice: pH + pOH = 14.00

From Math: If a x b = c
Then: loga + logb = logc

Eg.) 10 x 100 = 1000

Log(10) + log(100) = log(1000)
1 + 2 = 3

Chemistry 12-Notes of Unit 4—Acids and Bases Page 19

Chemistry 12 Notes on Unit 4—Acids and Bases

So since

[H3O+] [OH-] = Kw
log[H3O+] + log[OH-] = log (Kw)

or make everything negative

-log[H3O+ ] + -log [OH- ] = -log Kw

pH + pOH = pKw (relation)

True at all
temperatures

where pKw = -log Kw (definition of pKw)

Specifically at 250C

Kw = 1.00 x 10-14
pKw = -log (1.00 x 10-14)
pKw = 14.000 Only at
250C

so at 250C
pH + pOH = 14.000
At 250C If pH = 4.00 pOH = 10.00
Or: If pH = 2.963 pOH= 11.037

eg.) Find the pH of 5.00 x 10-4 M LiOH (250C)

plan: [OH-] pOH pH

[OH-] = 5.00 x 10-4 pOH = 3.301 pH = 14.000 – 3.301 = 10.699

eg.) Find the pOH of 0.0300 M HBr (250C)

[H3O+] = 0.0300 M (HBr is a strong acid)

pH = 1.523
pOH = 14.000 – 1.523
pOH = 12.477

See pOH scale & pH scale. Pg. 140 S.W.

Chemistry 12-Notes of Unit 4—Acids and Bases Page 20

Chemistry 12 Notes on Unit 4—Acids and Bases

When not at 250C

Eg.) At 600C Kw = 9.55 x 10-14

Find the pH of neutral water at 600C.

One way: Calculate pKw

pKw = -log Kw = -log (9.55 x 10-14)
0
At 60 C pKw = 13.020

For neutral water pH = pOH ([H3O+] = [OH-])

pH + pOH = pKw (substitute pH for pOH)

pH + pH = 13.020
2pH =13.020 so pH = 13.020 = 6.510
2

Is pH always 7.00 in neutral water?________________

At higher temp:

2H2O + heat H3O+ + OH-

[H3O+] > 1.0 x 10-7 so pH < 7

[OH-] > 1.0 x 10-7 so pOH < 7

Summary:

In neutral water pH = pOH at any temp.

pH & pOH = 7.00 at 250C only. These are very
At lower temps pH and pOH are > 7 important? Make sure
At higher temps pH and pOH are < 7 you study these!
At any temp: pH + pOH = pKw
At 250C: pH + pOH = 14.000

Read p. 134-141 in SW.

Do ex. 49-53 + 55-57 (p. 139-141 S.W.)
Do Worksheet 4-3 pH and pOH Calculations

Ka & Kb for Weak acids and Bases

Reminder: pH of SA’s

[H3O+]=[acid] strong means 100% ionized

so, to find pH of 0.100 M HCl

[H3O+] = 0.100 M
pH = 1.000

Chemistry 12-Notes of Unit 4—Acids and Bases Page 21

 Chemistry 12 Notes on Unit 4—Acids and Bases

For weak acids [H3O+] << [acid]

Eg.) What is pH of 0.10 M HF?

Look at equilibrium for Weak Acid HF

HF(aq) + H2O(l) H3O+(aq) + F- (aq)

Dissolved
but not Pure liquid not included in Keq
ionized expression.

Keq = [H3O+][F-] for WA’s Keq is called Ka (acid ionization constant)

[ HF]

- see acid table for list of Ka’s.

higher Ka stronger acid

lower Ka weaker acid

For SA’s (eg. HCl) Ka = [H3O+] [Cl-] = called “very large!”

[HCl]

Essentially zero
molecular HCl

-Discuss Relative Strengths of Oxyacids

Calculations Using Ka (Used for Weak Acids )

[H3O+] from Ka (pH from Ka)

1. [H3O+] from Ka and Original concentration (Co)

eg.) Find the [H3O+] in 0.10 M HF

WA
1. Write out equilibrium equation for ionization

HF + H2O H3O+ + F-

Chemistry 12-Notes of Unit 4—Acids and Bases Page 22

Chemistry 12 Notes on Unit 4—Acids and Bases

2. Ice table
HF + H2O H3O+ + F-
[I] 0.10 0 0
[C] -x +x +x
[E] 0.10 –x x x In Chem. 12 with weak
acids, always use this
3. Ka expression: Ka = [H3O+][F-] assumption - Make sure
To avoid quadratic assume x is
[HF] you state it!
insignificant compared to 0.10
Ka = (x) (x)
This can be confirmed later.
0.10 - x
2
4. Substitute Ka = x
0.10 ( Assume 0.10 – x ≅ 0.10 ) You must state
this assumption
5. Solve for x ([H3O+]) here!
Ka = x2 So x2 = 0.10 Ka
0.100
[H3O+] = x = 0.10 Ka Ka from
Acid Table
= 0.10 (3.5 x 10-4)
[H3O+] = 5.9 x 10-3 M
~ Check assumption (we see that this is quite small compared to 0.10)

Do ex. 74 & 75 Pg. 152

After Questions 74 & 75

Short cut for multiple choice Only!!

NOTE: In W.R. questions,
+ full solution must be shown
For WA [H3O ] = CoKa including the assumption!

“root” a “coka” Co is Original

(beer) (cola) Acid
Concentration

Eg.) Find pH of 2.0 M acetic acid (Multiple Choice Question)

1. First [H3O+] = CoKa

= 2.0 (1.8 x 10-5 ) Ka from

Acid Table
[H3O+] = 6.0 x 10-3 M

2. Find pH = -log (6.0 x 10-3)

pH = 2.22
2 SD’s. The “2.0 M” was Try using this for a
2 SD’s and the Ka was 2 SD’s
SA!!

Chemistry 12-Notes of Unit 4—Acids and Bases Page 23

Chemistry 12 Notes on Unit 4—Acids and Bases

NOTE: Ions which act as acids can come from compounds.

Eg.) See table ~ ammonium ion NH4+

- can be found in NH4NO3, NH4Cl, NH4Br, etc….
ferric ( hexaaquoiron) Fe3+ ( Fe(H2O)63+) could be found in Fe(H2O)6 Br3 (also called FeBr3)
or Fe(H2O)6 (NO3)3 (also called Fe(NO3)3 )

Aluminum (hexaaquoaluminum) Al3+ (Al(H2O)63+) could be found in Al(H2O)6Cl3 ( also called AlCl3 )

Do ex. 79 & 81, Pg. 152

More Ka Calculations: NOTE: the pH is to 3 SD’s

so your final answer cannot
have more than 3 SD’s.
Ka from pH
Eg.) a 0.350 M Solution of the weak acid HA has a pH of 1.620. Find the Ka of HA.

1. First convert pH to [H3O+]

[H3O+] = antilog (-pH)
= antilog (-1.620) This is the
[H3O+] = 2.399 x 10-2 M [H3O+] at
equilibrium

2. Write out equilibrium equation for ionization. Make an ICE table:

HA + H 2O H3O+ + A-
[I] 0.350 0 0
[C]
[E] 2.399 x 10-2

Now, you can see that the change in concentration [C] of [H3O+] is + 2.399 x 10-2 M and using the mole ratios
(mole bridges) in the balanced equation, you can figure out the [C]’s for the A- and the HA:

-2.399 x 10-2M + 2.399 x 10-2M + 2.399 x 10-2M

+
HA + H2O H3O + A-
[I] 0.350 0 0
[C] - 2.399 x 10-2 + 2.399 x 10-2 + 2.399 x 10-2
[E] 2.399 x 10-2

Now, we can figure out the equilibrium concentrations of HA and A-. There are no “x”s in the table so we
don’t need to make any assumptions. It is best to use your calculator to figure out the equilibrium [HA],
because the [C] may or MAY NOT be insignificant. Using a calculator 0.350 –2.399 x 10-2 = 0.32601. Don’t
round it off too much here. I would keep it in a memory in my calculator. BUT BECAUSE THE “0.350” IS
3 DECIMAL PLACES AND YOU ARE SUBTRACTING, THE [E] OF “HA” CANNOT HAVE MORE
THAN 3 DECIMAL PLACES (although you should use 0.32601 in your calculator) JUST REMEMBER
THAT IN THE NEXT CALCULATION, THE 3 DECIMAL PLACES IN THE ICE TABLE TRANSLATES
TO 3 SD’S, SO YOUR FINAL ANSWER CANNOT HAVE MORE THAN 3 SD’S.

Chemistry 12-Notes of Unit 4—Acids and Bases Page 24

Chemistry 12 Notes on Unit 4—Acids and Bases

-2.399 x 10-2M + 2.399 x 10-2M + 2.399 x 10-2M

+
HA + H2O H3O + A-
[I] 0.350 0 0
[C] - 2.399 x 10-2 + 2.399 x 10-2 + 2.399 x 10-2
[E] 0.326 2.399 x 10-2 2.399 x 10-2

3. Write Ka expression & substitute values.

Ka = [H3O+][A-] = (2.399 x 10-2) 2 = 1.7653 x 10-3 and expressing in 3SD’s, the answer is:
[HA] 0.326

Ka = 1.77 x 10-3

For those that want a short-cut for multiple choice:

Ka from [H3O+] :

Ka = [H3O+]2
OK for multiple
( Co –[H3O+] ) choice ONLY!

Don’t
forget
this

Don’t rearrange [H3O+] = CoKa

Was derived using an assumption
which may NOT be valid!

Do Ex. 77 & 80 on p. 152 SW

To Calculate Co ( conc. of acid needed) form pH & Ka

Eg. Find the concentration of HCOOH needed to form a solution with pH = 2.69

1. First change pH to [H3O+]

[H3O+] = antilog (-pH)
= antilog (-2.69)
[H3O+] = 2.0417 x 10-3 M (notice that the given pH limits us to 2SD’s, but keep more in your calculations.)

2. Write out ionization equilibrium with an ICE TABLE. You can insert 2.0417 x 10-3 for equilibrium [H3O+].
And since our unknown is the initial [HCOOH], we put in an “Co” for the [I] of HCOOH:

HCOOH + H2O H3O+ + HCOO-

[I] Co 0 0
[C]
[E] 2.0417 x 10-3

Chemistry 12-Notes of Unit 4—Acids and Bases Page 25

Chemistry 12 Notes on Unit 4—Acids and Bases

Now we can see that the change in concentration [C] of [H3O+] is “ + 2.0417 x 10-3 ” and the [C] of HCOO-
will be the same. The [C] of HCOOH will be “ - 2.0417 x 10-3 ”

HCOOH + H2O H3O+ + HCOO-

[I] Co 0 0
[C] - 2.0417 x 10-3 + 2.0417 x 10-3 + 2.0417 x 10-3
[E] 2.0417 x 10-3

We can now calculate the equilibrium concentrations [E] of HCOOH and HCOO-.

HCOOH + H2O H3O+ + HCOO-

[I] Co 0 0
[C] - 2.0417 x 10-3 + 2.0417 x 10-3 + 2.0417 x 10-3
[E] Co - 2.0417 x 10-3 2.0417 x 10-3 2.0417 x 10-3

The next step will be to write the Ka expression and substitute the equilibrium concentrations in:

3. Write Ka expression. Substitute equilibrium concentrations in. Find Ka for HCOOH on the acid table:

Ka = [H3O+] [HCOO-] Find Ka on Acid

[ HCOOH] Table

1.8 x 10-4 = (2.0417 x 10-3)2

( Co – 2.0417 x 10-3)

Now we can solve for Co (the original concentration of the acid):

Co- 2.0417 x 10-3 = (2.0417 x 10-3)2

1.8 x 10-4

Co – 2.0417 x 10-3 = 2.3159 x 10-2

Co = 2.3159 x 10-2 + 2.0417 x 10-3

Co = 2.52 x 10-2 M

Co = 2.5 x 10-2 M or 0.025 M (remember, we are restricted to 2 SD’s)

Do Ex. 76 & 78 on p. 152 of SW.

Now For Bases

Base ionization NH3 very common weak base. It partially ionizes in water to form NH4+ and OH- :

NH3(aq) + H2O(l) NH4+(aq) + OH-(aq)

Equilibrium constant – called base ionization constant (Kb)

Chemistry 12-Notes of Unit 4—Acids and Bases Page 26

Chemistry 12 Notes on Unit 4—Acids and Bases

NH3(aq) + H2O(l) NH4+(aq) + OH-(aq)

Kb expression: Kb = [NH4+] [OH-]

[NH3]

NOTE: Ions can also act as a weak bases. The reaction of an ion with water to form OH- is called base hydrolysis.
Equilibrium constant is still called Kb.

Eg.) Hydrolysis of CN-

CN- (aq) + H2O(l) HCN(aq) + OH-(aq)

Kb = [HCN][OH-]
Already [CN-] Kb
an ion expression

Ionization of N2H4 (weak base)

N2H4 (aq) + H2O (l) N2H5+ (aq) + OH-(aq)

Kb = [N2H5+] [OH-] Kb
[N2H4] expression
A neutral
molecule

Do Ex 32 on p. 128 of SW.

How to Find Kb using Acid Table

(not shown directly)
Derivation
- Look at hydrolysis of base F-: F- + H2O HF + OH-

Kb (F-) = [HF] [OH-]

[F-]
- Look at ionization the weak acid HF: HF + H2O H3O+ + F-

Ka (HF) = [H3O+] [F-]

[HF]

- Multiply Ka[HF] x Kb[F-]

Conj. base
Conj. Acid

Ka[HF] x Kb[F-] = [H3O+] [F-] x [HF] [OH-] = [H3O+] [OH-] (notice that [HF] and [F-] will cancel.)
[HF] [F-]

or Ka(HF) x Kb(F-) = Kw

Chemistry 12-Notes of Unit 4—Acids and Bases Page 27

Chemistry 12 Notes on Unit 4—Acids and Bases

Ka(HF) x Kb(F-) = Kw

Or Kb(F-) = Kw
Ka(HF)

In general:

Kb(weak base) = Kw
Ka(it’s conj. acid)

Using Acid Table:

1. Find base on right side ( if amphiprotic -locate base on right side only)
2. It’s conjugate acid will be across from it on the left side.
3. The Ka of it’s conjugate acid is on the far right of the same line.
4. Use equation: Kb(base) = Kw
Ka(conj. acid)

Eg.) Calculate the Kb for HCO3- : ( find HCO3- on RIGHT SIDE)

Line: H2CO3 H+ + HCO3-………4.3 x 10-7

It’s conj.
acid Base Ka(it’s conj. acid)

Kb(HCO3-) = Kw = 1.0 x 10-14 = 2.3 x 10-8

Ka(H2CO3) 4.3 x 10-7

Find Kb of SO32-

Similarly : If Kb (base) given

Ka (weak acid) = Kw
Kb(it’s conj. Base)

Eg.) The Kb for base B- is 2.73 x 10-9

Find the Ka for the acid HB

3 sig. Digs.

Ka(HB) = Kw = 1.00 x 10-14 = 3.66 x 10-6

-
Kb(B ) 2.73 x 10-9

Chemistry 12-Notes of Unit 4—Acids and Bases Page 28

Chemistry 12 Notes on Unit 4—Acids and Bases

NOTES:
Table only states Ka values. For questions like this Kb will have to be calculated if not given.
All Ka’s on table are 2 SD’s—limits any calculation using them to 2 SD’s maximum.
The larger the Kb, the “stronger ” the weak base - the more OH- produced.
The smaller the Ka of an acid, the larger the Kb of its conjugate Base. (Weaker acids have stronger
conjugate bases)

Calculations Involving Kb
Given: Find or find or find
[Base] & Kb [OH-] pOH pH

eg.) Find [OH-] in a 0.20 M solution of KNO2 (this is a salt, so it must be dissociated into it’s ions first)

Dissociation of KNO2 K+ + NO2-

1. Find Kb of NO2-
Neutral Weak base Kb(NO2-) = Kw
spectator Ka(HNO2)
(discard) = 1.0 x 10-14
4.6 x 10-4
Kb(NO2) = 2.174 x 10-11

2. Hydrolysis ( if ion) or ionization ( if molecule) equation followed by an ICE table:

NO2- + H2O HNO2 + OH-

[I] 0.20 0 0
[C]
[E]

We can let “x” equal the moles/L of NO2- which hydrolyze as the reaction reaches equilibrium.
Using the mole ratios in the equation and calculating [E]’s we get:

NO2- + H2O HNO2 + OH-

[I] 0.20 0 0
[C] -x +x +x
[E] 0.20 - x x x

3. Kb Expression:

Kb = [HNO2] [OH-] at equilibrium

[NO2-]

On the next page, we substitute the [E]’s into the Kb expression (Don’t forget, we are in “baseland” not
“acidland” now!)

Chemistry 12-Notes of Unit 4—Acids and Bases Page 29

Chemistry 12 Notes on Unit 4—Acids and Bases

Substitute: Kb = [HNO2] [OH-] or Kb = x2

[NO2-] (0.20 - x)

Assume that
Original
0.20 – x ≅ 0.20
conc. of
NO2- (Co)
Approximation:

Kb ≅ x2
0.20

x2 = 0.20 Kb

[OH-] = 0.20 Kb

[OH-] = 0.20 (2.174 x 10-11)

[OH-] = 2.085 x 10-6 M

[OH-] = 2.1 x 10-6 M Both the 0.20 M and the Ka used in calculating Kb limit us to 2 SD’s.

NOTE: In many problems, finding [OH-] is only the first step. Often you have to find the pH. Then you would use
the process [OH-] pOH pH

Kb From pH and Concentration

Eg.) At a certain temp, a 0.20 M solution of K2SO3 has a pH of 10.25. Calculate the Kb of SO32- at this temp.

1. Identify SO32- as a weak base (When K2SO3 is dissociated, it yields K+(a spectator) and SO32- )

2. [OH-] can be obtained from pH (pH pOH [OH-] )

pH = 10.25 so pOH = 14.00 – 10.25 = 3.75

[OH-] = antilog (-pOH) = antilog (-3.75) = 1.778 x 10-4 M

3. Write hydrolysis equation and an ICE table. (It is called hydrolysis this time because SO32- is an ion.)
We know the initial [SO32- ] is 0.20M and the equilibrium [OH-] is 1.778 x 10-4 M:

SO32- + H2O HSO3- + OH-

[I] 0.20 0 0
[C]
[E] 1.778 x 10-4

So, from this, the change in conc. [C] of OH- is “+ 1.778 x 10-4 ” and using the coefficient ratios we can insert
the [C]’s for the other species and calculate the equilibrium concentrations [E]’s:

SO32- + H2O HSO3 + OH-

[I] 0.20 0 0
[C] - 1.778 x 10-4 + 1.778 x 10-4 + 1.778 x 10-4
[E] 0.1998 1.778 x 10-4 1.778 x 10-4

Chemistry 12-Notes of Unit 4—Acids and Bases Page 30

Chemistry 12 Notes on Unit 4—Acids and Bases

4. Now we write the Kb expression and substitute the values from the [E]’s in our ICE table:

Kb = [HSO3-] [OH-] = ( 1.778 x 10-4)2 = 1.5825 x 10-7

[SO32-] (0.199822) We round it to 1.6 x 10-7 because the
0.20M and the pH given both had 2 SD’s

So:

Kb of SO32- at the temperature given is = 1.6 x 10-7

Short Cut for Multiple Choice:
Kb = [OH-]2
(CO – [OH-])
Like Weak acids:
Ka = [H3O+]2
(Co – [H3O+])
Rd. pg. 128 – 129 & 152-153
Do Ex. 84, 87, 88,& 89 on p. 153 of SW

- Do worksheet on Ka, Kb calculations

Chemistry 12-Notes of Unit 4—Acids and Bases Page 31