What are the concentrations of [K+], [OH-], [CO32-] and [H+], in a 1.2 M solution of K2CO3 ? (Note: Question is asking for concentrations and not pH) g

Respuesta :

Answer:

The concentrations are: [K⁺] = 1.2 M, [OH⁻] = 0.016 M, [CO₃²⁻] = 1.18 M and [H⁺] = 6.25x10⁻¹³ M.

Explanation:

The dissociation equation of K₂CO₃ in water is:

K₂CO₃(aq) ⇄  K⁺(aq) + CO₃²⁻(aq)     (1)

Also, the CO₃²⁻ will react with water as follows:

CO₃²⁻(aq) + H₂O(l) ⇄ HCO₃⁻(aq) + OH⁻(aq)    (2)

                         

The constant of the reaction (2) is:    

[tex] Kb = \frac{[OH^{-}][HCO_{3}^{-}]}{[CO_{3}^{-2}]} = 2.08 \cdot 10^{-4} [/tex]

The solution of K₂CO₃ is 1.2 M, and since the mole ratio of K₂CO₃ with K⁺ and CO₃²⁻ is 1:1, then we have:                      

[tex] [K_{2}CO_{3}] = [K^{+}] = [CO_{3}^{-2}] = 1.2 M [/tex]

Now, from equation (2) we have:

CO₃²⁻(aq) + H₂O(l) ⇄ HCO₃⁻(aq) + OH⁻(aq)    (3)

1.2 - x                                x               x

[tex] 2.08 \cdot 10^{-4} = \frac{[OH^{-}][HCO_{3}^{-}]}{[CO_{3}^{-2}]} [/tex]

[tex] 2.08 \cdot 10^{-4} = \frac{x^{2}}{1.2 - x} [/tex]

[tex] 2.08 \cdot 10^{-4}*(1.2 - x) - x^{2} = 0 [/tex]    (4)  

By solving equation (4) for x we have:

x = 0.016 M = [HCO₃⁻] = [OH⁻]        

Hence, the CO₃²⁻ concentration is:                        

[CO₃²⁻] = 1.2 M - 0.016 M = 1.18 M

Finally, the concentration of [H⁺] is:

[tex] [H^{+}][OH^{-}] = 10^{-14} [/tex]

[tex][H^{+}] = \frac{10^{-14}}{[OH^{-}]} = \frac{10^{-14}}{0.016} = 6.25 \cdot 10^{-13} M[/tex]      

Therefore, the concentrations are: [K⁺] = 1.2 M, [OH⁻] = 0.016 M, [CO₃²⁻] = 1.18 M and [H⁺] = 6.25x10⁻¹³ M.

I hope it helps you!