If the Ka of a monoprotic weak acid is 83 x106 what is the p
     If the Ka of a monoprotic weak acid is 8.3 x106, what is the pH of a 0.38 M solution of this acid? Number  
  
  Solution
HA dissociates as:
 
 HA          ----->     H+   + A-
 0.38                 0         0
 0.38-x               x         x
 
 
 Ka = [H+][A-]/[HA]
 Ka = x*x/(c-x)
 Assuming x can be ignored as compared to c
 So, above expression becomes
 
 Ka = x*x/(c)
 so, x = sqrt (Ka*c)
 x = sqrt ((8.3*10^-6)*0.38) = 1.776*10^-3
 
 since c is much greater than x, our assumption is correct
 so, x = 1.776*10^-3 M
 
 
 
 So, [H+] = x = 1.776*10^-3 M
 
 
 use:
 pH = -log [H+]
 = -log (1.776*10^-3)
 = 2.7506
 Answer: 2.75

