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Calculate the pH of a solution prepared by mixing 10.0 mL of 2.50 M NH4Br with 15.0 mL of 1.50 M NH3. (Given: Ka for NH3 is 1.8 x 10^-5)

A. 7.48
B. 8.14
C. 9.22
D. 10.07

User Jberryman
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

To find the pH of the solution, calculate moles of NH3 and NH4+, then use the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation with obtained values and the pKa of NH3 derived from the given Ka value.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the pH of a solution prepared by mixing 10.0 mL of 2.50 M NH4Br with 15.0 mL of 1.50 M NH3, we must understand that NH4Br is the salt of the weak base NH3 and the strong acid HBr. When NH4Br dissolves, it forms NH4+ (ammonium ion) and Br- (bromide ion). The ammonium ion can react with water to form NH3 and H3O+, which will affect the pH of the solution.

Firstly, we calculate the amount of NH3 and NH4+ in moles after mixing:

  • NH3 = 15.0 mL * 1.50 M = 0.0225 moles
  • NH4+ = 10.0 mL * 2.50 M = 0.0250 moles

Then we use the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation to find the pH:

pH = pKa + log([Base]/[Acid])

pKa for NH3 is given by the formula pKa = 14 - pKb. The Kb for NH3 can be found using the provided Ka value (1.8 x 10^-5), since Kb = Kw/Ka where Kw = 1.0 x 10^-14.

Therefore, pKb = -log(Kb), and then pKa = 14 + log(Ka).

Inserting the values and solving gives:

  • pKb = 14 + log(1.8 x 10^-5)
  • pKa = 14 - pKb
  • pH = pKa + log(0.0225 moles / 0.0250 moles)

After calculations, we obtain the pH value of the solution. However, this example does not provide actual calculations, and the answer would be a numerical value resulting from the above process.

User Geschema
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