Chapter 18.5, Problem 18.9AFP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Given the concentration of the solution, the equilibrium values of ${\text{[H}}_{\text{2}}{\text{C}}_{\text{2}}{\text{O}}_{\text{4}}\text{]}$ , $\text{[}H{C}_2{O}_4{}^{-}\text{]}$ , $\text{[}{C}_2{O}_4{}^{2-}\text{]}$ and also the pH has to be found out.

Concept Introduction: The pH scale will range from 1-14. pH is the negative logarithm of hydrogen ion concentration. If pH is greater than 7 then the solution is basic, less than 7 then the solution is acidic and if it is equal to 7 the solution will be neutral. pH and pOH are related by the equation:

pH + pOH =14

Oxalic acid is a weak acid, so it will not dissociate completely and since it is polyprotic in nature dissociation will take place in two steps. Therefore, oxalic acid has two ${\text{K}}_{\text{a}}$ (acid dissociation constant) values