Question

To find the pH of a solution of NaNO2, one would have to construct an ICE chart using:

a. the Kb of NO−2 to find the hydroxide concentration.
b. the Kb of HNO2 to find the hydronium concentration.
c. the Kb of NO-2, to find the hydronium concentration.
d. the Kb of HNO2, to find the hydroxide concentration.

Answer 1

a. the Kb of NO₂⁻ to find the hydroxide concentration.

Step-by-step explanation:

When sodium nitrite is dissolved in water, it dissociates in sodium cation and nitrite anion according to the following equation.

NaNO₂(s) ⇒ Na⁺(aq) + NO₂⁻(aq)

Na⁺ comes from NaOH (strong base) so it doesn't react with water.

NO₂⁻ comes from HNO₂ (weak acid) so it reacts with water according to the following equation.

NO₂⁻(aq) + H₂O(l) ⇄ HNO₂(aq) + OH⁻(aq)

This is the basic reaction of nitrite ion, so we need the Kb of NO₂⁻ to find the hydroxide concentration.