Simplify x values in kA and kB Problems

How to simplify x values in kA and kB problems.

Simplification occurs when HA 400 x kA
Ionization constant = 5 x 10-2 = kA
What is pH of a .15 molar solution of this acid? H C2HO2Cl2
HA = 400 x 5x10-2

HA 100 kA

HA = .15

.15 < 5 therefore:

Must use quadratic:

I
C
E

HC2H3O2Cl2

H+

.15
-x
.15-x

0
x
x

C2H3O2Cl20
x
x

Ka = products = (x)(x)
reactants (.15-x)

5 x 10-2 = x2
.15-x
.0075 - .05x = x2
X2 + .05x -.0075
a = 1 b = .05 c = -.0075

b b 2 4ac
2a

.05 .0025 (4)(1)(.0075)

2

.05 .0325
2

X = .065
ph = -Log [.065] = 1.186
ph = 1.19
7/10/2014, rev. 10/16/14, 3/25/15
ASC, Indian River State College