For strong acids and bases, we generally assume that 100% ionization occurs. Thi
ID: 820882 • Letter: F
Question
For strong acids and bases, we generally assume that 100% ionization occurs. This means that for a 0.10 M solution of HCl, the concentration of H+ ions produced in solution will be 0.10 M.
Weak acids will only partially ionize in water. If the percent ionization for a weak acid is 5%, that means that a 0.10 M solution of the acid will produce [H+] = 5 x 10-3 M. What if a 0.10 M solution of a weak acid produced [H+] = 2 x 10-4 M? What would be the percent ionization (how much of the acid dissociated to produce hydrogen ions)? Find the percent ionization for a solution of 0.10 M HF hydrofluoric acid.
Express your answer to three significant figures.
Explanation / Answer
[H+] = C x ?
where, ? is degree of ionization, C is concentration of acid
? = [H+] / C = 2 x 10-4 / 0.10 = 0.002
percent of ionization = 0.002 x 100 = 0.2%