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Nh3 is a weak base (kb = 1.8 × 10–5 m) and so the salt nh4cl acts as a weak acid. what is the ph of a solution that is 0.013 m in nh4cl?

1 Answer

1 vote
First, we need to get the value of Ka:

when Ka = Kw / Kb

we have Kb = 1.8 x 10^-5

and Kw = 3.99 x 10^-16 so, by substitution:

Ka = (3.99 x 10^-16) / (1.8 x 10^-5) = 2.2 x 10^-11

by using the ICE table :

NH4+ + H2O →NH3 + H+
intial 0.013 0 0

change -X +X +X

Equ (0.013-X) X X

when Ka = [NH3][H+] / [NH4+]

by substitution:

2.2 x 10^-11 = X^2 / (0.013 - X) by solving this equation for X

∴X = 5.35 x 10^-7

∴[H+] = X = 5.35 x 10^-7

∴PH = - ㏒[H+]

= -㏒(5.35 x 10^-7)
= 6.27
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