Chapter 16, Problem 16.5QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

In solving the concentrations of the species in a given solution of 0.0010 M $\text{HF}$, is it possible to neglect x in the denominator using simplifying assumption has to be explained

Concept introduction:

The ionization of a weak acid $\text{HA}$ can be given as follows,

${\text{HA}}_{(aq)}\rightleftarrows {\text{H}}^{+}{}_{(aq)}+{\text{A}}^{\text{-}}{}_{(aq)}$

The equilibrium expression for the above reaction is given below.

$K_a=\frac{[{\text{H}}^{\text{+}}{\text{][A}}^{\text{-}}\text{]}}{[\text{HA]}}$

Where,

$K_a$ is acid ionization constant,

$[{\text{H}}^{\text{+}}\text{]}$ is concentration of hydrogen ion

$[{\text{A}}^{\text{-}}\text{]}$ is concentration of acid anion

$[\text{HA]}$ is concentration of the acid

To Explain: Whether it is possible to neglect x in the denominator while solving the concentration of the species in the given solution