HL Chemistry

Acids and Bases Review - HL SOLUTIONS

PAPER 1 QUESTIONS - MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. Which one of the following species can act as both a Brønsted-Lowry acid and
base in aqueous solution?

A. CH3COOH B. NO3–
– –
C. H2PO4 D. OH

Note: D is another possibility, but it is much less likely to act as an acid than C. C
is the best answer.

2. The equation for the reaction between nitric acid and sulfuric acid is shown
below.
H2SO4 + HNO3 à H2NO3+ + HSO4–
A B CA CB
Which species are acting as acids in this reaction according to the Brønsted-
Lowry theory?

A. H2SO4 and HNO3 B. H2SO4 and H2NO3+

C. HNO3 and H2NO3+ D. H2NO3+ and HSO4–

3. Which is a Brønsted-Lowry acid-base pair? (the two species differ by H+)

A. H2O and O2– B. CH3COOH and CH3COO–
C. NH4+ and NH2– D. H2SO4 and SO42–

4. What is the conjugate base of the HSO4–(aq) ion? (CB = one less H+)
A. H2SO4(aq) B. SO42–(aq)
C. H2O(l) D. H3O+(aq)

5. NH3(aq) + HNO2 (aq) à NH4+(aq) + NO2-(aq)

For this reaction, a Bronsted-Lowry acid is

A. NH3 (aq) because it contains the largest number of hydrogen atoms.

B. NH3 (aq) because it accepts a proton from HNO2(aq)
C. HNO2 (aq) because it has lone pairs of electrons on the oxygen atoms.
D. HNO2 (aq) because it donates a proton to NH3(aq).

A B CA CB
6. Given this equilibrium system: CH3COOH(aq) + H2O(l) « H3O+(aq) + CH3COO– (aq)
Which species act as Bronsted-Lowry bases?

A. CH3COOH and H2O B. CH3COO– and H3O+

C. CH3COOH and H3O+ D. CH3COO– and H2O

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7. When the following 1.0 mol dm-3 solutions are listed in increasing order of pH
(lowest first), what is the correct order?

lowest pH highest pH
SA WA WB SB
A. HNO3 < H2CO3 < NH3 < Ba(OH)2
B. NH3 < Ba (OH)2 < H2CO3 < HNO3
C. Ba (OH)2 < H2CO3 < NH3 < HNO3
D. HNO3 < H2CO3 < Ba (OH)2 < NH3

8. Which substance can be dissolved in water to give a 0.1 mol dm-3 solution with a
high pH and a high electrical conductivity? a strong base

A. HCl B. NaCl C. NH3 D. NaOH

9. Which methods will distinguish between equimolar solutions of a strong base

and a strong acid? Oh – tricky question! Many IB questions like this are looking
at strong vs weak acids. But here the question asks you to distinguish between a
strong base and a strong acid. Remember to read the Q carefully!

I. Add magnesium to each solution and look for the formation of gas
bubbles. Yes – Mg reacts with acid to form H2(g). Bases do not react
with metals to form a gas.
II. Add aqueous sodium hydroxide to each solution and measure the
temperature change. Yes – NaOH will neutralize the strong acid,
releasing heat. Adding NaOH to another strong base will have no
reaction, so no heat change occurs.
III. Use each solution in a circuit with a battery and lamp and see how
bright the lamp glows. No – Strong acids and strong bases are both
strong electrolytes and will cause a lamp to glow brightly.

A. I and II only B. I and III only

C. II and III only D. I, II and III

10. Four aqueous solutions, I, II, III and IV, are listed below.

I. 0.100 mol dm-3 HCl II. 0.010 mol dm-3 HCl

III. 0.100 mol dm-3 NaOH IV. 0.010 mol dm-3 NaOH

What is the correct order of increasing pH of these solutions?

(more conc’d acid < dilute acid < dilute base < more conc’d base)

A. I, II, III, IV B. I, II, IV, III

C. II, I, III, IV D. II, I, IV, III

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11. 10 cm3 of 0.01 mol dm-3 nitric acid (HNO3) is diluted with 90 cm3 of water. What
is the pH of the resulting solution?

- starting pH of 0.01 M HNO3 = -log10(10-2) = 2

- 1:10 dilution à one unit pH change for every 10-fold change in [H+]
- diluting an acid increases the pH

A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4

12. The pH value of a 1 x 10-3 mol dm-3 solution of sodium hydroxide is…

A. 3 B. 8 C. 11 D. 14

13. An aqueous solution has a pH of 10. Which concentrations are correct for the ions
below?
[H+] = 10-pH [OH–] = Kw / [H+] = 1 x 10-14 / [H+]

[H+(aq)] / mol dm-3 [OH–(aq)] / mol dm-3

A. 104 10-10

B. 10–4 10-10

C. 10-10 10-4

D. 10-10 104

14. Separate 20.0 cm3 solutions of a weak acid and a strong acid of the same
concentration are titrated with NaOH solution. Which will be the same for these
two titrations?

I. Initial pH - for acids with the same conc’n, pH of SA < pH of WA

II. pH at equivalence point – SA-SB titration gives pH 7; WA-SB
titration give pH >7
III. Volume of NaOH required to reach the equivalence point - correct

A. I only B. III only C. I and II only D. II

and III only

15. Which Period 3 oxides produce a solution with a pH < 7 when they react with water?

* metal oxide + H2O = base; non-metal oxide + H2O = acid

I MgO II SO3 III P2O5

A. I and II only B. I and III only

C. II and III only D. I, II and III

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16. Which Period 3 oxide is amphoteric?

A. Na2O B. SiO2 C. Cl2O7 D. Al2O3

17. Which substances are basic when dissolved in water?

I SO3 II CaO III NaHCO3

* metal oxide + H2O = base; non-metal oxide + H2O = acid; carbonate/bicarbonate +

water = base

A. I and II B. I and III

C. II and III D. I, II and II

18. Which of the following is produced when MgO reacts with HCl?

MgO (metal oxide) = base

base + acid à salt + water … so MgO + HCl à MgCl2 + H2O

A. MgCl2 and H2O B. MgH2 and OCl2

C. Mg and H2 D. HOCl and Mg

19. Which will be the same for separate 1 mol dm−3 solutions of a strong acid and a weak
acid?

I. Electrical conductivity II. Concentration of H+ ions

A. I only B. II only C. Both I and II D. Neither I nor II

20. 25.0 cm3 of sulfuric acid solution is neutralized with 36.2 cm3 of 0.225 mol dm-3
sodium hydroxide solution.

The concentration of the acid is; C

21. Which of the following are sources of nitrogen oxides?

I power plants
II electrical storms
III internal combustion engines in vehicles

A. I and II B. I and II C. II and III D. III only

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22. A water sample has a pH of 5.6. Which of the following statements about this sample
is most likely true?

A. It is pure water.
B. It is rainwater collected in a heavily industrialized region.
C. It is rainwater collected in a non-industrialized region.
D. It is water taken from a lake that has been treated with lime (calcium oxide).

HL ONLY MCQs

23. Which species can act as a Lewis acid?

A. BF3 B. OH– C. H2O D. NH3

24. The Ka value for an acid is 1.0×10–2. What is the Kb value for its conjugate base?
A. 1.0×10–2 B. 1.0×10–6
C. 1.0×10–10 D. 1.0×10–12

25. Which of the following is the weakest acid in aqueous solution?

acid Ka

A. C6H5OH 1.3 x 10-10

B. HCN 4.9 x 10-10

C. H2Se 1.5 x 10-4

D. HF 6.9 x 10-4

26. Water dissociates according to the equation

+ –
H2O(l) ó H (aq) + OH (aq) ∆H = +56 kJ

At 25°C water has a pH of 7. Which of the following occurs when water is heated
to 30°C?

A. It remains neutral and its pH decreases.

B. It becomes acidic and its pH decreases.
C. It remains neutral and its pH increases.
D. It becomes acidic and its pH increases.

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27. Ammonia (NH3) is a weak base in aqueous solution with an ionization constant
Kb. What expression is equal to the ionization constant for the following
reaction?
NH4+(aq) + H2O(l) ó NH3(aq) + H3O+(aq)

A. Kw / Ka B. Ka / Kw C. Kw / Kb D. Kb /
Kw

28. The acid dissociation constant of a weak acid HA has a value of 1.0 × 10-5 dm-3.
What is the pH of a 0.10 mol dm-3 aqueous solution of HA?

A. 2 B. 3 C. 5 D. 6

29. The pKa values of four acids are as follows.

W 4.87 X 4.82 Y 4.86 Z 4.85

What is the correct order when these acids are arranged in order of increasing
acid strength?

A. X, Z, Y, W B. X, Y, Z, W
C. W, Z, Y, X D. W, Y, Z, X

30. The Ka values of acids HX HY and HZ are given. Solutions of each acid are made to
be 0.10 mol dm-3 and the pH is tested. Place the acids in order of increasing pH.

HX Ka =1 x 10-4 HY Ka=1x10-5 HZ Ka = 3 x 10-5

A. HX < HY < HZ B. HX < HZ < HY

C. HZ < HY < HX D. HY < HZ < HX

31. Which compound, when dissolved in aqueous solution to produce a 1.0 mol dm-3
solution, has the highest pH?

A. NaCl B. Na2CO3
C. NH4Cl D. NH4NO3

32. Which salts would form acidic solutions when dissolved in water?

I KHCO3
II NH4Cl
III CuSO4

A. I and II B. I and II C. II and III D. II only

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33. An acid-base indicator, HIn, dissociates according to the following equation.

HIn(aq) ó H+ (aq) + In– (aq)

color A color B

Which statement about this indicator is correct?

I. In a strongly acidic solution color B would be seen.

II. In a neutral solution the concentrations of HIn(aq) and In–(aq) must be
equal.
III. It is suitable for use in titrations involving weak acids and weak bases.

A. I only B. II only C. III only D. None of the above

34. What happens to the pH of a buffer solution if a small amount of acid is added?

A. The pH drops B. The pH increases

C. The pH remains roughly the same D. The buffer is destroyed

35. Which mixture would produce a buffer solution when dissolved in 1.0 dm3 of water?

A. 0.50 mol of CH3COOH and 0.50 mol of NaOH

B. 0.50 mol of CH3COOH and 0.25 mol of NaOH
C. 0.50 mol of CH3COOH and 1.00 mol of NaOH
D. 0.50 mol of CH3COOH and 0.25 mol of Ba(OH)2

36. What is the value of [H+] in a buffer solution in which [CH3COOH] =

1.0 mol dm-3 and [CH3COO-] = 1.0 mol dm-3? For CH3COOH, Ka = 1.8 x 10-5.

A. 6.0 x 10-3 B. 3.6 x 10-5

C. 1.8 x 10-5 D. 9.1 x 10-6

–3 3
37. Which curve is produced by the titration of a 0.1 mol dm weak base with 0.1 mol dm
strong acid? C

A. 12 B. 12

8 8
pH pH
4 4

V
olumeoftitrant V
olumeoftitrant

C. 12 D. 12

8 8
pH pH
4 4

V
olumeoftitrant V
olumeoftitrant

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38. Which neutralization reaction could use phenolphthalein (pKa = 9.3) and not
methyl orange (pKa = 3.7) as an indicator?

A. NaOH(aq) and HNO3(aq) B. NH3(aq) and CH3COOH(aq)

C. NaOH(aq) and CH3COOH(aq) D. NH3(aq) and HNO3(aq)

PAPER 2 QUESTIONS

39. Deduce the equations for the following reactions.

State symbols are not required unless the question asks for them. You should
practice including the state symbols in case you are asked for them.

a) nitric acid and water – strong acid reaction

HNO3(aq) + H2O(l) à H3O+(aq) + NO3–(aq)

b) benzoic acid (C6H5COOH) and water – weak acid reaction

C6H5COOH(aq) + H2O(l) ó C6H5COO–(aq) + H3O+(aq)

*eqbm arrow!!

c) methylamine and water – weak base reaction

CH3NH2(aq) + H2O(l) ó CH3NH3+(aq) + OH–(aq) *eqbm arrow!!

d) magnesium and sulfuric acid – metal + acid à salt + H2

Mg(s) + H2SO4(aq) à(aq) + H2(g)

e) ethanoic acid and sodium hydroxide - acid + base à salt + H2O

CH3COOH(aq) + NaOH(aq) à CH3COONa(aq) + H2O(l)

f) sulfuric acid and ammonia - acid + weak base à salt

H2SO4(aq) +(aq) à (NH4)(aq)

g) nitric acid and calcium carbonate - acid + carbonate à salt + H2O + CO2

2HNO3(aq) + CaCO3(s) à Ca(NO3)2(aq) + CO2(g) + H2O(l)

h) ethanoic acid and sodium hydrogen carbonate

- acid + carbonate à salt + H2O + CO2

CH3COOH(aq) + NaHCO3(s) àCH3COONa(aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g)

i) magnesium oxide and water

- metal oxide + water à base (metal hydroxide)

MgO(s) + H2O(l) à Mg(OH)2(aq)

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j) sulfur trioxide and water

- non-metal oxide + water à acid

SO3(g) + H2O(l) à H2SO4(aq)

h) magnesium oxide and sulfuric acid

- metal oxide (base) + acid à salt + water

MgO(s) + H2SO4(aq) à MgSO4(aq) + H2O(l)

i) phosphoric acid (H3PO4) and lithium oxide

- acid + metal oxide (base) à salt + water

2H3PO4(aq) + 3Li2O(s) à 2Li3PO4(aq) + 3H2O(l)

j) ethanoic acid and calcium

- metal + acid à salt + hydrogen gas

2CH3COOH(aq) + Ca(s) à (CH3COO)2Ca(aq) + H2(g)

40. Given the reaction 2H2O(l) « H3O+(aq) +OH–(aq)

a) Use the Bronsted-Lowry Theory to discuss the acidic and/or basic nature of
water. [2]

H2O can act as both a Bronsted-Lowry acid and base.

One H2O molecule acts as an acid – it donates a proton to another H2O

molecule to form H3O+.

The other H2O molecule acts as a base– it accepts a proton from the first
H2O molecule to form OH–.

b) What is the conjugate base of the hydroxide ion, OH–? [1] O2–

What is the conjugate acid of the hydroxide ion, OH–? [1] H2O

c) State one method which could be used to decide whether a solution of a

0.10 mol dm-3 acid is strong or weak. Give the results expected in each case. [3]

1. Determine the rate of reaction with Mg (or other reactive metal) by

measuring the rate of production of hydrogen gas (change in
pressure/time, change in volume of gas/time). Strong acids will have a
faster rate than weak acids.

Or

2. Determine the rate of reaction with CaCO3 (or other carbonate or

hydrogen carbonate compound) by measuring the rate of production of
CO2 gas (change in pressure/time, change in volume of gas/time). Strong
acids will have a faster rate than weak acids.

Or

3. Measure the pH of each solution using universal indicator or a pH

sensor. The strong acid will have a lower pH than the weak acid.

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41. An equilibrium is reached when ethanoic acid is added to water.

a) Deduce the equation for this equilibrium.

CH3COOH(aq) + H2O(l) ó H3O+(aq) + CH3COO–(aq) * eqbm arrow!!

b) Why is this system considered an equilibrium, whereas the reaction of

hydrochloric acid with water is not?

Ethanoic acid only partially dissociates, so both the molecular acid and the
ionized products are present.

HCl is a strong acid and it completely dissociates into its ions. No

molecular acid remains.

c) Identify the two Bronsted-Lowry acid-base pairs in the ethanoic acid-water

reaction.

Pair 1: CH3COOH / CH3COO–

acid conj. base

Pair 2: H2O / H3O+

base conj. acid

d) State the name and chemical formula of two acids that behave like
ethanoic acid.

carbonic acid – H2CO3 sulfurous acid – H2SO4

methanoic acid – HCOOH propanoic acid – CH3CH2COOH

benzoic acid – C6H5COOH nitrous acid – HNO2

hydrofluoric acid - HF

State the name and chemical formula of two acids that behave like
hydrochloric acid.

hydrobromic acid – HBr hydroioidic acid – HI

sulfuric acid – H2SO4 nitric acid – HNO3

perchloric acid – HclO4

42. a) Calcium carbonate is added to separate solutions of hydrochloric acid and

ethanoic acid of the same concentration. State one similarity and one
difference in the observations you could make. (2)

similarity = bubbling/effervescence or gas given off

difference = more vigorous reaction with HCl

b) Write an equation for the reaction between hydrochloric acid and calcium
carbonate. (2)

2HCl(aq) + CaCO3(s) à CaCl2(aq) + CO2(g) + H2O(l)

(state symbols not req’d unless the question asks for them)
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c) Determine the volume of 1.50 mol dm-3 hydrochloric acid that would react
with exactly 1.25 g of calcium carbonate. (3)

amount, in mol, of CaCO3 = 1.25 g / 100.09 g mol-1 = 0.0125 mol

amount, in mol, of HCl = 2 × 0.0125 = 0.0250 mol

volume of HCl = 0.0250 mol / 1.50 mol dm3 = 0.0167 dm3 (or 16.7 cm3 )

d) Calculate the volume of carbon dioxide, measured at 273 K and

1.01×105 Pa, which would be produced when 1.25 g of calcium carbonate
reacts completely with the hydrochloric acid. (2)

mol CO2 formed = 0.0125 mol CaCO3 x 1 mol CO2/1molCaCO3

V CO2 at STP = 0.0125 mol × 22.4 dm3/mole = 0.28 dm3 (using molar
volume at STP)

OR:

PV = nRT
à V = (0.0125 x 8.31 x 273) / 1.01 x 102 kPa = 0.28 dm3 (using Ideal
Gas Law)

43. Find the values of [H+] and [OH-] that correspond to each of the following values of pH.
Find the values of [H+] and [OH-] that correspond to each of the following values of pH.

[H+] [OH–]
pH acid or base?
= 10-pH = Kw/[H+] = (1x10-14)/[H+]

3.2 x 10-9 mol dm-3 3.1 x 10-6 mol dm-3

8.5 base
(correct sf = 3 x 10-9) (correct sf = 3 x 10-6)

1.00 x 10-3 mol dm-3 1.00 x 10-11 mol dm-3

3.00 acid
(correct sf = 1.0 x 10-3) (correct sf = 1.0 x 10-11)

2.5 x 10-6 mol dm-3 4.0 x 10-9 mol dm-3

5.6 acid
(correct sf = 3 x 10-6) (correct sf = 4 x 10-6)

3.98 x 10-8 mol dm-3 2.51 x 10-7 mol dm-3

7.40 base
(correct sf = 4.0 x 10-8) (correct sf = 2.5 x 10-7)

3.372 4.25 x 10-4 mol dm-3 2.35 x 10-11 mol dm-3 acid

Sig figs and pH: The number of decimal places in the pH value determines the
number of sig figs in the concentration value.

Likewise, the number of sig figs in the concentration value

determines the number of decimal places in the pH value.

The digit(s) to the left of the decimal point in the pH value has
no effect on sig figs.

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44. Identify the Bronsted-Lowry conjugate acid-base pairs in the following reactions:

a) HSO4- + SO3- à HSO3- + SO42-

pair 1: acid / conjugate base = HSO4– / SO42–

pair 2: base / conjugate acid = SO3– / HSO3–

b) S2- + H2O à HS- + OH-

pair 1: acid / conjugate base = H2O / OH–

pair 2: base / conjugate acid = S2+ / HS–

c) CN- + H3O+ à HCN + H2O

pair 1: acid / conjugate base = H3O+ / H2O

pair 2: base / conjugate acid = CN– / HCN

45. Some of the most important processes in chemistry involve acid-base reactions.

a) Describe the acid-base character of the oxides of each of the period 3 elements,
Na to Cl. [3]

Sodium oxide and magnesium oxide à basic

Aluminum oxide à amphoteric
Silicon oxide through to oxides of chlorine à acidic

b) State a primary pollutant, containing sulfur, produced by an industrial process

which can cause large-scale pollution to lakes and forests. [1]

SO2(g)

(NOTE: SO3 is a secondary pollutant formed by the oxidation of SO2 in the

atmosphere.)

c) With the use of equation(s) demonstrate how this gas creates acidic
precipitation. [2]

SO2(g) + H2O(l) à H2SO3(g)

d) State a primary pollutant, containing nitrogen, which can cause large-scale

pollution to lakes and forests. [1]

NO

(NOTE: NO2 is a secondary pollutant formed by the oxidation of NO in the

atmosphere.)

Name sources of this primary pollutant. [1]

- high temperature environment of internal combustion engines in vehicles or

planes
- lightning
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e) With the use of equations demonstrate how this gas creates acidic precipitation.
[2]

2NO(g) + O2(g) à 2NO2(g)

2NO2(g) + H2O(l) à HNO2(aq) + HNO3(aq)

46. Deduce the oxidation states of S and N in each of the oxide species that contribute to
acid rain, and for the acids that each one is responsible for producing. [3]

SO2 ox state for S = +4 SO3 ox state for S = +6

H2SO3 ox state for S = +4 H2SO4 ox state for S = +6

NO ox state for N = +2 NO2 ox state for N = +4

HNO2 ox state for N = +3 HNO3 ox state for N = +5

47. An experiment was carried out to determine the concentration of aqueous

ammonia by titrating it with a 0.150 mol dm-3 sulfuric acid solution. It was found
that 25.0 cm3 of the aqueous ammonia required 20.1 cm3 of the sulfuric acid
solution for neutralization.

a) Write the equation for the reaction and calculate the concentration, in mol dm-3,
of the aqueous ammonia. (4)

2NH3(aq) + H2SO4(aq) à (NH4)2SO4(aq)

(note that TITRATIONS are always COMPLETE reactions – use the

correct arrow in the equation)

moles of H2SO4) = 0.150 mol dm-3 x 0.0201 dm3 = 3.015 x 10-3 mol
–3
moles of NH3 = 2 x 3.015 x 10–3 = 6.03 × 10 mol
–3
[NH3] = 6.03 x 10-3 mol / 0.025 dm3 = 0.241 mol dm

b) Several acid-base indicators are listed in Table 22 of the Data Booklet.

Identify one indicator that could be used for this experiment. Explain your
answer. (3)

bromocresol green

reaction of weak base and strong acid produces an acidic salt upon
neutralization

pH range of bromocresol green is 3.8 to 5.4

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48. The value of the ionic product constant of water, Kw, at 60°C is 5.60×10–14.

(a) State the expression for Kw. (1)

Kw = [H+][OH–]

(b) Calculate the values of [H+] and pH in water at 60°C. (3)

K w = [H+ ] x [OH– ]
= x2
x = 5.6 x 10−14
= 2.37 x 10−7 mol dm−3

pH = 6.6

(c) The value of [OH–] in water at 60°C is greater than the value at room
temperature. Explain why water is not alkaline at 60°C. (1)

water is still neutral at 60˚C because [H+] = [OH–]

(the [OH–] changes because the Kw value changes)

49. Calculate the pH of a solution of ethanoic acid made by dissolving 1.40g of the
acid in distilled water to make a 500 cm3 solution. (4)

50. a) State the formula of the conjugate base of chloroethanoic acid, CH2ClCOOH. (1)

b) Identify, with a reason, whether chloroethanoic acid is weaker or stronger

than ethanoic acid. (1)

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51. (a) Predict and explain, using equations where appropriate, whether the following
solutions are acidic, alkaline or neutral.

(i) 0.1 mol dm-3 NaNO3(aq) (1)

neutral à NaNO3 is formed from strong base and strong acid (or ions
from strong acids and strong bases do not hydrolyze water)

(ii) 0.1 mol dm-3 Na2CO3(aq) (1)

2–
alkaline à CO3 is a weak base
CO32–(aq) + H2O(l) ó HCO3–(aq) + OH–(aq)

(b) Deduce the equation for the hydrolysis reaction that occurs in the acidic or
basic solutions in part (a).

see above

52. Acid and base behavior can be explained using different theories. Use CH3COOH
and MgO to examine this statement.

Bronsted-Lowry acid-base theory:

- acids = proton (H+) donors
- bases = proton (H+) acceptors

e.g. CH3COOH + H2O ó H3O+ + CH3COO–

CH3COOH = B-L acid because it donates an H+ to H2O

H2O = B-L acid because it accepts an H+ from CH3COOH

Lewis acid-base theory:

- acids = electron pair acceptors
- bases = electron pair donors

e.g. MgO + H2O à Mg(OH)2

or, as an ionic equation: O2– + H2O à 2OH–
O2– + H+ + OH– à 2OH–

O2– = Lewis base because it donates an electron pair to H+

H+ = Lewis acid because it accepts an electron pair from O2– to form
OH–

53. a) Calculate the pH of a 0.68 mol dm-3 solution of methylamine. [4]

pKb = 3.34, Kb = 4.57 x 10-4

x = [OH-] = 1.76 x 10-2

pOH = 1.75

pH = 12.25

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b) Predict whether the pH of 0.68 mol dm-3 trimethylamine would be higher or

lower than methylamine. Justify your answer. [2]

pKb = 4.20 (trimethylamine) > pKb = 3.34 (methylamine)

trimethylamine is a weaker base than methylamine (smaller Kb value)

its pOH will be higher so its pH will be lower

54. A student prepares a 0.050 mol dm-3 solution of sodium benzoate, C6H5COONa.

a) Draw the complete structure of sodium benzoate.

b) Predict the nature of the salt solution, giving a reason.

C6H5COONa is a basic salt.

It is formed from the neutralization of a strong base (NaOH) and a weak acid
(C6H5COOH, benzoic acid).

c) Deduce the chemical equation that shows the acid-base behavior of the salt.

Remember: Anions of salts hydrolyze water to produce a base.

C6H5COO– + H2O à C6H5COOH + OH–

d) Calculate the pH of the salt solution.

1. First, find the value for Kb:

Kb for C6H5COO– = Kw / Ka for benzoic acid

= (1.00 x 10-14) / 10–4.20
= (1.00 x 10-14) / 6.31 x 10-5 (1 extra sig fig)
= 1.58 x 10-10

OR pKb for C6H5COO– = 14.00 – pKa for benzoic acid

= 14.00 – 4.20
= 9.80

Kb = 10–9.80
= 1.58 x 10-10 (1 extra sig fig)

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2. Use an ICE table and the K expression to find OH–, followed by pOH and
pH:

[C6H5COO–] [C6H5COOH] [OH–]

initial 0.050 0 0
change -x +x +x
equilibrium 0.05 - x x x

[C6H5COOH] [OH– ]
Kb =
[C6H5COO – ]
x2
1.58 x 10−10 =
0.050 - x
x2
∼ (Assume x is negligible relative to 0.05)
0.050
x = 2.8 x 10−6

∴ [OH– ] = 2.8 x 10−6 mol dm –3

∴ pOH = 5.55
∴ pH = 8.45

55. A buffer solution is prepared by adding 20.0 g of sodium benzoate to 100.0 cm3 of
1.00 mol dm-3 benzoic acid.

a) Deduce the equation for the buffer system.

C6H5COOH ó C6H5COO– + H+

b) Calculate the pH of the buffer.

1. Find the concentration of C6H5COONa (which provides C6H5COO–):

1 mol
n = 20.0 g x
144.11 g
= 0.139 mol

n
C=
V
0.139 mol
=
0.1000 dm−3
= 1.39 mol dm−3

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2. Use the K expression for the buffer system to find [H+]:

[H+ ] [C 6H5COO– ]
Ka =
[C 6H5COOH]
[C 6H5COOH]
[H+ ] = K a x
[C 6H5COO– ]
1.00
= (6.31 x 10 −5 ) x
1.39
= 4.54 x 10 −5

∴ pH = 4.34

NOTE: You can also use the Henderson-Hasselbach equation, which

is given in Table 2 of the Data Booklet for Option Topics B.7 and D.4.

⎛ [C 6H5COO– ] ⎞
pH = pK a + log ⎜ ⎟
⎝ [C 6H5COOH] ⎠
⎛ 1.39 ⎞
= 4.20 + log ⎜
⎝ 1 ⎟⎠
= 4.20 + 0.14
= 4.34

c) A small amount of NaOH is added to the buffer.

i) Write the equation for the reaction that occurs when NaOH is added.

C6H5COOH + OH– à C6H5COO– + H2O

ii) Predict, giving a reason, the change in pH.

There will be no significant* change in pH because the (high)

concentrations of C6H5COOH and C6H5COO– do not change
significantly.

* Note that there will be a very slight increase in pH because there

will also be a very slight decrease in H+, depending on the amount of
OH- added.

d) A small amount of HCl is added to the buffer.

i) Write the equation for the reaction that occurs when HCl is added.

C6H5COO– + H+ à C6H5COOH

ii) Predict, giving a reason, the change in pH.

There will be no significant* change in pH because the (high)

concentrations of C6H5COOH and C6H5COO– do not change
significantly.

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* Note that there may be a very slight decrease in pH because the

[H+] will very slightly increase, depending on the amount of HCl
added.

e) Suggest two alternate methods for producing a benzoic acid – benzoate

buffer, starting with a 100 cm3 solution of 1.0 M benzoic acid.

The benzoate salt can be produced by a partial neutralization reaction.

Mix 100 cm3 of 1.0 mol dm-3 benzoic acid with 50 cm3 of 1.0 mol dm-3 NaOH.
(0.10 mol benzoic acid + 0.050 mol NaOH)

OR

Mix 100 cm3 of 1.0 mol dm-3 benzoic acid with 100 cm3 of 0.5 mol dm-3
NaOH.
(0.10 mol benzoic acid + 0.050 mol NaOH)

56. (i) Describe how an indicator, HIn, works. (3)

HIn is a weak acid

This equilibrium is established: HIn ó H+ + In–, where HIn is color A and

In– is color B

When added to an acid, the eqbm shifts to the left so color A is

predominant (and vice versa for a base).

(ii) Name a suitable indicator for the reaction between ethanoic acid and
sodium hydroxide. Use information from Table 18 in the Data Booklet to
justify your choice. (2)

possible indicators = phenolphthalein or phenol red or bromothymol blue

color change of indicator occurs within the range of pH at equivalence

point (or on the vertical part of graph)

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57. A titration was carried out to determine the concentration of 25.0 cm3 of an
aqueous solution of nitric acid. The pH value of the liquid in the flask was
measured as 0.100 mol dm-3, aqueous sodium hydroxide was added. The results
are shown on the graph below.

14

12

10

pH 8

0 10 20 30 40
Volume of NaOH(aq)/ cm3

(i) Use the graph to determine the value of [H+] of the nitric acid solution. (1)

initial pH = 1.0 ∴ [H+] = 0.1 mol dm-3

(ii) Determine the pH value when the value of [H+] has decreased to
1×10–3 mol dm–3. (1)

pH = 3

(iii) Use the graph to determine the volume of 0.100 mol dm–3 aqueous
sodium hydroxide solution needed to exactly neutralize the nitric acid. (1)

VNaOH at equivalence = 28.0 cm3

(iv) Calculate the concentration, in mol dm–3, of the nitric acid. (2)

moles NaOH = 0.100 mol dm-3 ×0.0280 dm3 = 2.80×10-3 mol

moles HNO3 = moles NaOH = 2.80 x 10–3 mol

-3 -3
[HNO3] = 2.80×10 mol / 0.025 dm-3 = 0.112 mol dm

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