Answer:
- pKa = 7.46
Explanation:
<u>1) Data:</u>
a) Hypochlorous acid = HClO
b) [HClO} = 0.015
c) pH = 4.64
d) pKa = ?
<u>2) Strategy:</u>
With the pH calculate [H₃O⁺], then use the equilibrium equation to calculate the equilibrium constant, Ka, and finally calculate pKa from the definition.
<u>3) Solution:</u>
a) pH
- pH = - log [H₃O⁺]
- 4.64 = - log [H₃O⁺]
b) Equilibrium equation: HClO (aq) ⇄ ClO⁻ (aq) + H₃O⁺ (aq)
c) Equilibrium constant: Ka = [ClO⁻] [H₃O⁺] / [HClO]
d) From the stoichiometry: [CLO⁻] = [H₃O⁺] = 2.29 × 10 ⁻⁵ M
e) By substitution: Ka = (2.29 × 10 ⁻⁵ M)² / 0.015M = 3.50 × 10⁻⁸ M
f) By definition: pKa = - log Ka = - log (3.50 × 10 ⁻⁸) = 7.46