A4 Booklet - Acids and Bases - 2024
A4 Booklet - Acids and Bases - 2024
A4 Booklet - Acids and Bases - 2024
Definitions
Scientific Models
Arrhenius Theory – Only explains acids & bases when dissolved IN
WATER
Arrhenius noticed that water dissociates (splits up) into hydronium and
hydroxide ions according to the following reaction:
HA + B BH+ + A– OR HA + B– BH + A–
acid base acid base
Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
The Lowry-Bronsted Theory involves an acid-base protolytic reaction in which
a proton transfer takes place. This proton transfer is simultaneous!
Therefore a pair of substances will differ from one another by a proton within
an acid-base reaction. This pair is called a CONJUGATE ACID-BASE PAIR.
Conjugate comes from the Latin word coniugātiō which means to “yoke together”.
When a BASE has accepted a proton, the formed product is called a CONJUGATE
ACID because it can donate a proton in the reverse reaction again
The conjugate acid of an base
CONJUGATE CONJUGATE
ACID BASE
BASE ACID
H2O OH- H2O H3O +
HCl Cl- NH3 NH4+
HSO4- SO42- HSO4- H2SO4
HPO42- PO43- SO42- HSO4-
HA + H2O ⇌ H3O+ + A-
The equilibrium constant is:
𝐇𝟑 𝐎+ 𝐀−
𝐊𝐜 = = 𝐊𝐚
𝐇𝐀
As this equilibrium is focused only on acids, the Kc becomes Ka, which is the
ionisation constant of an acid.
For a strong acid, where acid ionises completely, the Ka value is high (>1).
This is because the denominator concentration [HA] is low and the numerator
concentration [H3O+][A-] is high.
For a weak acid, where acid ionises partially, the Ka value is low (<1).
This is because the denominator concentration [HA] is high and the numerator
concentration [H3O+][A-] is low.
For a weak base, where the base dissociates partially, the Kb value is low
(<1).
This is because the denominator concentration [B] is high and the numerator
concentration [BH+][OH-] is low.
Equilibrium Constant for Water (Kw)
Water is an amphiprotic substance, which is able to act as both an acid and a
base.
𝐊 𝐜 = 𝐇𝟑 𝐎+ 𝐎𝐇 − = 𝐊 𝐰
As this equilibrium is focused only on auto-ionisation of water, the Kc becomes
Kw, which is the ionisation constant of water.
The pH Scale
pH Calculations
Titrations is an experimental technique used to determine the concentration of an
acid or a base using a standard solution.
Using volumetric analysis, the unknown concentration of a solution (acid or base)
may be determined.
What to Consider When Calculating the pH
Use the equations for pH
Use the equation
pH = – log [H3O+]
Other useful equations include
[H3O+] [OH-] = 1 x 10-14
pH = 14 – p[OH–]
pH = 14 – (–log[OH–])
Use the equations for concentration
Use the equation
n mol
c= =
V dm3
Remember moles (n) can be calculated using mass of a substance (m) and
its molar mass (M):
m
n=
M
Use Mole Ratios
o Write down the full balanced reaction
o Identify the acid/base
EXAM QUESTION – KZN Sep 2023 – Q7
7.1 Is H2SO4 a STRONG or WEAK acid? Give a reason for the answer. (2)
7.2 Write down the FORMULAE of the conjugated acid-base pairs in step 2. (2)
7.3 H2SO4 is diprotic. Write down the meaning of the term diprotic. (2)
7.4 Write down the FORMULA of the ampholyte in the above reaction. (1)
7.5.1 Calculate the initial pH of the sulphuric acid used in this reaction. (5)
7.3 The percentage purity of the MCO3(s) in the sample is 85%. Identify
metal M. (8)