Chapter 16, Problem 16.75QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Whether a given solution containing the salt ${\text{K}}_{\text{2}}{\text{HPO}}_{\text{4}}$ will be acidic, neutral or basic has to be predicted

Concept Information:

When a Bronsted acid donates a proton, what remains of the acid is known as a conjugate base; when a Bronsted base accepts a proton, the newly formed protonated species is known as a conjugate acid.  This can be given by the below equation as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1

The strength of a base can be determined from the magnitude of ionization constant ${\text{K}}_{\text{b}}$

of that base.

• When the ${\text{K}}_{\text{b}}$ is large, it indicates strong base
• When the ${\text{K}}_{\text{b}}$ is small, it indicates weak base

The strength of an acid can be determined from the magnitude of ionization constant $K_a$

of that acid.

• When the $K_a$ is large, it indicates strong acid
• When the $K_a$ is small, it indicates weak acid

To Predict: Whether a given solution containing the salt ${\text{K}}_{\text{2}}{\text{HPO}}_{\text{4}}$ will be acidic, neutral or basic