How do you calculate the pH of a weak acid?

Lets say we have 0.89 mol dm-3 of CH3COOH, a weak acid, with a ka of 1.7X10^-5.We want to find Ph, but to do this we first need to know [H+] because PH = -log10[H+].Because CH3COOH is a weak acid, it only partially dissociates,         CH3COOH <--------> CH3COO- + H+therefore it has an acid dissociation contast (ka)ka= [CH3COO-] [H+] / [CH3COOH]Because both of ur products are coming from the single reactant, and because of the molar ratios of the chemical equation, [CH3OO-] = [H+].so we can simplify our expression to ka = [H+]^2/ [CH3COO]With weak acids we are able to make an important assumption. Because dissociation is weak, we can assume [H+] is really small, so much so that 1- [H+] is roughly 1. S0 [H+} is roughly 0.The amount of reactant we have at eqm in this reaction is equal to amount at start-amount of each product formed at eqm.Therefore [CH3COOH] at the start of the reaction is roughly unchanged at equilibirum, its a bit like saying [CH3COOH]-0 is still [CH3COOH].Therefore we can say ka= [H+]^2 / 0.89Plug in the ka value: 1.7 x 10^-5 = [H+]^2 / 0.89Remember we said we were looking to find [H+] so lets rearrange to make [H+] the subject:[H+]^2= (1.7 x 10 ^-5 ) x 0.89[H+] ^2 = 1.513x 10^ -5[H+] = 3.89x 10^-3ph = -log10(3.89 x 10^-3)ph= 2.4

AH
Answered by Amy H. Chemistry tutor

12114 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain why the atomic radii of the elements decrease across Period 3 from sodium to chlorine


Q3. A third beaker, C, contains 100.0 cm^3 of 0.0125 mol/dm^3 ethanoic acid ( Ka = 1.74 × 10^−5 mol/dm^3 at 25 ºC). Write an expression for Ka and use it to calculate the pH of the ethanoic acid solution in beaker C.


Calculate the amount (in moles) of iron 3 nitrate in a 2.16g sample.


Describe briefly the nature of metallic bonding and use this to explain why metals are malleable (can be hammered into shape) and conduct electricity


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning