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I really need help with the math of these two problems. I can set up an ICE char

ID: 899075 • Letter: I

Question

I really need help with the math of these two problems. I can set up an ICE chart but I can't figure it out. Thank you!

Pyridine is a weak base that is used in the manufacture of pesticides and plastic resins. It is also a component of cigarette smoke. Pyridine ionizes in water as follows:

C5H5N+H2OC5H5NH++OH

The pKb of pyridine is 8.75. What is the pH of a 0.225 M solution of pyridine?

Express the pH numerically to two decimal places.

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Part B

Benzoic acid is a weak acid that has antimicrobial properties. Its sodium salt, sodium benzoate, is a preservative found in foods, medications, and personal hygiene products. Benzoic acid ionizes in water:

C6H5COOHC6H5COO+H+

The pKa of this reaction is 4.2. In a 0.50 M solution of benzoic acid, what percentage of the molecules are ionized?

Express your answer to two significant figures and include the appropriate units.

pH =

Explanation / Answer

C5H5N(aq) +H2OC5H5NH+(aq) +OH(aq)

pKb = 8.75

If [C5H5N]= 0.225 M then find pH

First, set the equilibrium

Kb = [C5H5NH+][OH-]/[C5H5N]

[C5H5NH+]= [OH-] in the equilibrium (1:1 due to stoichiometry)

Let us asign "x" for each concnetration so

[C5H5NH+]= [OH-] = x

[C5H5N] = 0.225 - x (accounting for the dissociated base)

Note that we need kb

kb = 10^-pkb = 10^-8.75 = 1.778*10^-9

Substitute everythin in

Kb = [C5H5NH+][OH-]/[C5H5N]

1.778*10^-9 = x*x /(0.225 - x)

Solve for x (quadratic equatin)

x = 2*10^-5

which is [OH-] = x =  2*10^-5

we need pH so

pOH = -log(OH) = 4.69

pH = 14-pOH = 14-4.69 = = 9.30

pH = 9.30

PART B

Apply same logic here

C6H5COOHC6H5COO+H+

Ka = 10^-4.2 = 6.3*10^-5

[C6H5COOH] = 0.5 - x

[C6H5COO] = [H+] = x

Ka expression is given as

ka = [H+][C6H5COO-]/[C6H5COOH]

6.3*10^-5 = x*x / (0.5 - x)

substitute all

x = [H+] = 0.00558

pH = -log(H) = -log(0.00558) =2.253

pH = 2.25

But you need % ionization

% ionizatin = H+ / Acid before ionization * 100%

% ionizatin = 0.00558 / 0.5 * 100 = 1.116%

% ionization = 1.12%