Answer:
pH of the solution is 2.0
Step-by-step explanation:
The lactic acid is a weak acid that is in equilibrium with water as follows:
Lactic acid + H2O ⇄ Lactate + H₃O⁺
And Ka for lactic acid: 1.38x10⁻⁴
Ka = 1.38x10⁻⁴ = [Lactate] [H₃O⁺] / [Lactic acid]
Initial concentration of lactic acid is (MW: 112.06g/mol):
80g * (1mol / 112.06g) / 1L = 0.714M
The equilibrium concentration of the species in the equilibrium are:
[Lactate] = X
[H₃O⁺] = X
[Lactic acid] = 0.714-X
Replacing in Ka expression:
1.38x10⁻⁴ = [X] [X] / [0.714-X]
9.8532x10⁻⁵ - 1.38x10⁻⁴X = X²
9.8532x10⁻⁵ - 1.38x10⁻⁴X - X² = 0
Solving for X:
X = -1.0x10⁻². False solution, there is no negative concentrations
X = 9.86x10⁻³M. Right solution.
As [H₃O⁺] = X
[H₃O⁺] = 9.86x10⁻³M
and pH = -log [H₃O⁺] = -log 9.86x10⁻³M
pH = 2.0
pH of the solution is 2.0