Chapter 18, Problem 76E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The concentration ratio of hydrocyanic acid to cyanide ion, $\left[\text{HCN}\right]/\left[{\text{CN}}^{-}\right]$, that will produce a buffer solution with a pH of $9.71$ is to be calculated.

Concept introduction:

The acids that do not undergo complete dissociation when dissolved in water are known as weak acids. The equilibrium constant in the case of dissociation of a weak acid is known as the acid constant and is denoted by ${\text{K}}_{\text{a}}$. A solution that resists any change in the value of pH when a very small amount of base or an acid is added to it is known as a buffer solution.