Question

Write the chemical reaction for nitrous acid in water, whose equilibrium constant is K a . Include the physical states for each species. K a reaction: Write the chemical reaction for the nitrite ion in water, whose equilibrium constant is K b . Include the physical states for each species.

Answer 1

Answer:

HNO₂(aq) + H₂O(l) ⇄ NO₂⁻(aq) + H₃O⁺

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

Explanation:

According to Brönsted-Lowry acid-base theory, nitrous acid is an acid because it transfers an H⁺ to another compound. The corresponding reaction is:

HNO₂(aq) + H₂O(l) ⇄ NO₂⁻(aq) + H₃O⁺

According to Brönsted-Lowry acid-base theory, nitrite ion is a base because it accepts an H⁺ from another compound. The corresponding reaction is:

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