1.32 Calculate the depression in the freezing point of water when 10 g of CH3CH2CHClCOOH is added to 250 g of water. Ka = 1.4 × 10–3, Kf = 1.86 K kg mol–1. 1.33 19.5 g of CH2FCOOH is dissolved in 500 g of water. The depression in the freezing point of water observed is 1.00 C. Calculate the van’t Hoff factor and dissociation constant of fluoroacetic acid.

1.37 Vapour pressures of pure acetone and chloroform at 328 K are 741.8 mm Hg and 632.8 mm Hg respectively. Assuming that they form ideal solution over the entire range of composition, plot ptotal, pchloroform, and pacetone as a function of xacetone. The experimental data observed for different compositions of mixture is: 100 x xacetone 0 11.8 23.4 36.0 50.8 58.2 64.5 72.1 pacetone /mm Hg 0 54.9 110.1 202.4 322.7 405.9 454.1 521.1 pchloroform /mm Hg 632.8 548.1 469.4 359.7 257.7 193.6 161.2 120.7 Plot this data also on the same graph paper. Indicate whether it has positive deviation or negative deviation from the ideal solution. 1.38 Benzene and toluene form ideal solution over the entire range of composition. The vapour pressure of pure benzene and toluene at 300 K are 50.71 mm Hg and 32.06 mm Hg respectively. Calculate the mole fraction of benzene in vapour phase if 80 g of benzene is mixed with 100 g of toluene. 1.39 The air is a mixture of a number of gases. The major components are oxygen and nitrogen with approximate proportion of 20% is to 79% by volume at 298 K. The water is in equilibrium with air at a pressure of 10 atm. At 298 K if the Henry’s law constants for oxygen and nitrogen at 298 K are 3.30 × 107 mm and 6.51 × 107 mm respectively, calculate the composition of these gases in water. 1.40 Determine the amount of CaCl2 (i = 2.47) dissolved in 2.5 litre of water such that its osmotic pressure is 0.75 atm at 27° C. 1.41 Determine the osmotic pressure of a solution prepared by dissolving 25 mg of K2SO4 in 2 litre of water at 25° C, assuming that it is completely dissociated. Answers to Some Intext Questions 1.1 C6H6 = 15.28%, CCl4 = 84.72% 1.2 0.459, 0.541 1.3 0.024 M, 0.03 M 1.4 36.946 g 1.5 1.5 mol kg–1 , 1.45 mol L–1 0.0263 1.9 23.4 mm Hg 1.10 121.67 g 1.11 5.077 g 1.12 30.96 Pa Chemistry 30 Reprint 2025-26 UnitUnitUnitUnit Unit22 Objectives ElectrochemistryElectrochemistry After studying this Unit, you will be able to · describe an electrochemical cell Chemical reactions can be used to produce electrical energy, and differentiate between galvanic conversely, electrical energy can be used to carry out chemical and electrolytic cells; reactions that do not proceed spontaneously.· apply Nernst equation for calculating the emf of galvanic cell and define standard potential of Electrochemistry is the study of production of the cell; · derive relation between standard electricity from energy released during spontaneous potential of the cell, Gibbs energy chemical reactions and the use of electrical energy of cell reaction and its equilibrium to bring about non-spontaneous chemical constant; transformations. The subject is of importance both · define resistivity (r), conductivity for theoretical and practical considerations. A large (k) and molar conductivity (✆m) of number of metals, sodium hydroxide, chlorine, ionic solutions; fluorine and many other chemicals are produced by · differentiate between ionic electrochemical methods. Batteries and fuel cells (electrolytic) and electronic convert chemical energy into electrical energy and are conductivity; · describe the method for used on a large scale in various instruments and measurement of conductivity of devices. The reactions carried out electrochemically electrolytic solutions and can be energy efficient and less polluting. Therefore, calculation of their molar study of electrochemistry is important for creating new conductivity; technologies that are ecofriendly. The transmission of · justify the variation of sensory signals through cells to brain and vice versa conductivity and molar and communication between the cells are known to conductivity of solutions with have electrochemical origin. Electrochemistry, is change in their concentration and therefore, a very vast and interdisciplinary subject. In define m (molar conductivity at this Unit, we will cover only some of its important zero concentration or infinite elementary aspects. dilution); · enunciate Kohlrausch law and learn its applications; · understand quantitative aspects of electrolysis; · describe the construction of some primary and secondary batteries and fuel cells; · explain corrosion as an electrochemical process. Reprint 2025-26 2.12.12.12.12.1 ElectrochemicalElectrochemicalElectrochemicalElectrochemicalElectrochemical We had studied the construction and functioning of Daniell cell CellsCellsCellsCellsCells (Fig. 2.1). This cell converts the chemical energy liberated during the redox reaction Zn(s) + Cu2+(aq) ® Zn2+(aq) + Cu(s) (2.1) to electrical energy and has an electrical potential equal to 1.1 V when concentration of Zn2+ and Cu2+ ions is unity (1 mol dm–3)*. Such a device is called a galvanic or a voltaic cell. If an external opposite potential is applied in the galvanic cell [Fig. 2.2(a)] and increased slowly, we find that the reaction continues to take place till the opposing voltage reaches the value 1.1 V [Fig. 2.2(b)] when, the reaction stops altogether and no current flows through the cell. Any further increase in the external potential again starts the reaction but in the opposite direction [Fig. 2.2(c)]. It now functions as an electrolytic cell, a device for using electrical energy to carry non-spontaneous chemical reactions. Both types of cells are Fig. 2.1: Daniell cell having electrodes of zinc and quite important and we shall study some of copper dipping in the solutions of their their salient features in the following pages. respective salts. Eext < 1.1V Eext = 1.1V (a) (b) e current cathodeanode I=0 Zn salt Cu Zn Cu -ve bridge +ve When Eext = 1.1 V (i) No flow of electrons or current. (ii) No chemical ZnSO4 CuSO4 ZnSO4 CuSO4 reaction. When Eext < 1.1 V Eext >1.1 (i) Electrons flow from Zn rod to (c) Cu rod hence current flows from Cu to Zn. – When Eext > 1.1 V (ii) Zn dissolves at anode and e (i) Electrons flow copper deposits at cathode. Cathode Current Anode from Cu to Zn +ve –ve and current flows Zn Cu from Zn to Cu. Fig. 2.2 (ii) Zinc is deposited Functioning of Daniell at the zinc cell when external electrode and voltage Eext opposing the copper dissolves at cell potential is applied. copper electrode. *Strictly speaking activity should be used instead of concentration. It is directly proportional to concentration. In dilute solutions, it is equal to concentration. You will study more about it in higher classes. Chemistry 32 Reprint 2025-26 2.22.22.22.22.2 GalvanicGalvanicGalvanicGalvanicGalvanic CellsCellsCellsCellsCells As mentioned earlier a galvanic cell is an electrochemical cell that converts the chemical energy of a spontaneous redox reaction into electrical energy. In this device the Gibbs energy of the spontaneous redox reaction is converted into electrical work which may be used for running a motor or other electrical gadgets like heater, fan, geyser, etc. Daniell cell discussed earlier is one such cell in which the following redox reaction occurs. Zn(s) + Cu2+(aq) ® Zn2+ (aq) + Cu(s) This reaction is a combination of two half reactions whose addition gives the overall cell reaction: (i) Cu2+ + 2e– ® Cu(s) (reduction half reaction) (2.2) (ii) Zn(s) ® Zn2+ + 2e– (oxidation half reaction) (2.3) These reactions occur in two different portions of the Daniell cell. The reduction half reaction occurs on the copper electrode while the oxidation half reaction occurs on the zinc electrode. These two portions of the cell are also called half-cells or redox couples. The copper electrode may be called the reduction half cell and the zinc electrode, the oxidation half-cell. We can construct innumerable number of galvanic cells on the pattern of Daniell cell by taking combinations of different half-cells. Each half- cell consists of a metallic electrode dipped into an electrolyte. The two half-cells are connected by a metallic wire through a voltmeter and a switch externally. The electrolytes of the two half-cells are connected internally through a salt bridge as shown in Fig. 2.1. Sometimes, both the electrodes dip in the same electrolyte solution and in such cases we do not require a salt bridge. At each electrode-electrolyte interface there is a tendency of metal ions from the solution to deposit on the metal electrode trying to make it positively charged. At the same time, metal atoms of the electrode have a tendency to go into the solution as ions and leave behind the electrons at the electrode trying to make it negatively charged. At equilibrium, there is a separation of charges and depending on the tendencies of the two opposing reactions, the electrode may be positively or negatively charged with respect to the solution. A potential difference develops between the electrode and the electrolyte which is called electrode potential. When the concentrations of all the species involved in a half-cell is unity then the electrode potential is known as standard electrode potential. According to IUPAC convention, standard reduction potentials are now called standard electrode potentials. In a galvanic cell, the half-cell in which oxidation takes place is called anode and it has a negative potential with respect to the solution. The other half-cell in which reduction takes place is called cathode and it has a positive potential with respect to the solution. Thus, there exists a potential difference between the two electrodes and as soon as the switch is in the on position the electrons flow from negative electrode to positive electrode. The direction of current flow is opposite to that of electron flow. 33 Electrochemistry Reprint 2025-26 The potential difference between the two electrodes of a galvanic cell is called the cell potential and is measured in volts. The cell potential is the difference between the electrode potentials (reduction potentials) of the cathode and anode. It is called the cell electromotive force (emf) of the cell when no current is drawn through the cell. It is now an accepted convention that we keep the anode on the left and the cathode on the right while representing the galvanic cell. A galvanic cell is generally represented by putting a vertical line between metal and electrolyte solution and putting a double vertical line between the two electrolytes connected by a salt bridge. Under this convention the emf of the cell is positive and is given by the potential of the half- cell on the right hand side minus the potential of the half-cell on the left hand side i.e., Ecell = Eright – Eleft This is illustrated by the following example: Cell reaction: Cu(s) + 2Ag+(aq) ¾® Cu2+(aq) + 2 Ag(s) (2.4) Half-cell reactions: Cathode (reduction): 2Ag+(aq) + 2e– ® 2Ag(s) (2.5) Anode (oxidation): Cu(s) ® Cu2+(aq) + 2e– (2.6) It can be seen that the sum of (3.5) and (3.6) leads to overall reaction (2.4) in the cell and that silver electrode acts as a cathode and copper electrode acts as an anode. The cell can be represented as: Cu(s)|Cu2+(aq)||Ag+(aq)|Ag(s) and we have Ecell = Eright – Eleft = EAg+úAg – ECu2+úCu (2.7) 2.2.1 The potential of individual half-cell cannot be measured. We can Measurement measure only the difference between the two half-cell potentials that of Electrode gives the emf of the cell. If we arbitrarily choose the potential of one Potential electrode (half-cell) then that of the other can be determined with respect to this. According to convention, a half-cell called standard hydrogen electrode (Fig.3.3) represented by Pt(s)ú H2(g)ú H+(aq), is assigned a zero potential at all temperatures corresponding to the reaction 1 H+ (aq) + e– ® H2(g) 2 The standard hydrogen electrode consists of a platinum electrode coated with platinum black. The electrode is dipped in an acidic solution and pure hydrogen gas is bubbled through it. The concentration of both the reduced and oxidised forms of hydrogen is maintained at unity (Fig. 2.3). This implies that the pressure of hydrogen gas is one bar and the concentration of hydrogen ion in the Fig. 2.3: Standard Hydrogen Electrode (SHE). solution is one molar. Chemistry 34 Reprint 2025-26 At 298 K the emf of the cell, standard hydrogen electrode ççsecond half-cell constructed by taking standard hydrogen electrode as anode (reference half-cell) and the other half-cell as cathode, gives the reduction potential of the other half-cell. If the concentrations of the oxidised and the reduced forms of the species in the right hand half-cell are unity, then the cell potential is equal to standard electrode potential, Eo R of the given half-cell. Eo = EoR – Eo L As Eo L for standard hydrogen electrode is zero. Eo = Eo R – 0 = EoR The measured emf of the cell: Pt(s) ç H2(g, 1 bar) ç H + (aq, 1 M) çç Cu 2+ (aq, 1 M) ú Cu is 0.34 V and it is also the value for the standard electrode potential of the half-cell corresponding to the reaction: Cu2+ (aq, 1M) + 2 e – ® Cu(s) Similarly, the measured emf of the cell: Pt(s) ç H2(g, 1 bar) ç H+ (aq, 1 M) çç Zn2+ (aq, 1M) ç Zn is -0.76 V corresponding to the standard electrode potential of the half-cell reaction: Zn2+ (aq, 1 M) + 2e– ® Zn(s) The positive value of the standard electrode potential in the first case indicates that Cu2+ ions get reduced more easily than H+ ions. The reverse process cannot occur, that is, hydrogen ions cannot oxidise Cu (or alternatively we can say that hydrogen gas can reduce copper ion) under the standard conditions described above. Thus, Cu does not dissolve in HCl. In nitric acid it is oxidised by nitrate ion and not by hydrogen ion. The negative value of the standard electrode potential in the second case indicates that hydrogen ions can oxidise zinc (or zinc can reduce hydrogen ions). In view of this convention, the half reaction for the Daniell cell in Fig. 2.1 can be written as: Left electrode: Zn(s) ® Zn 2+ (aq, 1 M) + 2 e – Right electrode: Cu 2+ (aq, 1 M) + 2 e – ® Cu(s) The overall reaction of the cell is the sum of above two reactions and we obtain the equation: Zn(s) + Cu 2+ (aq) ® Zn2+ (aq) + Cu(s) emf of the cell = Eocell = Eo R – Eo L = 0.34V – (– 0.76)V = 1.10 V Sometimes metals like platinum or gold are used as inert electrodes. They do not participate in the reaction but provide their surface for oxidation or reduction reactions and for the conduction of electrons. For example, Pt is used in the following half-cells: Hydrogen electrode: Pt(s)|H2(g)| H+(aq) With half-cell reaction: H+ (aq)+ e– ® ½ H2(g) Bromine electrode: Pt(s)|Br2(aq)| Br–(aq) 35 Electrochemistry Reprint 2025-26 With half-cell reaction: ½ Br2(aq) + e– ® Br–(aq) The standard electrode potentials are very important and we can extract a lot of useful information from them. The values of standard electrode potentials for some selected half-cell reduction reactions are given in Table 2.1. If the standard electrode potential of an electrode is greater than zero then its reduced form is more stable compared to hydrogen gas. Similarly, if the standard electrode potential is negative then hydrogen gas is more stable than the reduced form of the species. It can be seen that the standard electrode potential for fluorine is the highest in the Table indicating that fluorine gas (F2) has the maximum tendency to get reduced to fluoride ions (F–) and therefore fluorine gas is the strongest oxidising agent and fluoride ion is the weakest reducing agent. Lithium has the lowest electrode potential indicating that lithium ion is the weakest oxidising agent while lithium metal is the most powerful reducing agent in an aqueous solution. It may be seen that as we go from top to bottom in Table 2.1 the standard electrode potential decreases and with this, decreases the oxidising power of the species on the left and increases the reducing power of the species on the right hand side of the reaction. Electrochemical cells are extensively used for determining the pH of solutions, solubility product, equilibrium constant and other thermodynamic properties and for potentiometric titrations. IntextIntextIntextIntextIntext QuestionsQuestionsQuestionsQuestionsQuestions 2.1 How would you determine the standard electrode potential of the system Mg2+|Mg? 2.2 Can you store copper sulphate solutions in a zinc pot? 2.3 Consult the table of standard electrode potentials and suggest three substances that can oxidise ferrous ions under suitable conditions. 2.32.32.32.32.3 NernstNernstNernstNernstNernst We have assumed in the previous section that the concentration of all EquationEquationEquationEquationEquation the species involved in the electrode reaction is unity. This need not be always true. Nernst showed that for the electrode reaction: Mn+(aq) + ne–® M(s) the electrode potential at any concentration measured with respect to standard hydrogen electrode can be represented by: RT o [M] E = E ln ( M n + / M ) ( M n + / M ) – nF [M n+ ] but concentration of solid M is taken as unity and we have o RT 1 E = E (2.8) ( M n + / M ) ( M n + /M ) – nF ln [M n+ ] o E ( M n + / M ) has already been defined, R is gas constant (8.314 JK–1 mol–1), F is Faraday constant (96487 C mol–1), T is temperature in kelvin and [Mn+] is the concentration of the species, Mn+. Chemistry 36 Reprint 2025-26 Table 2.1: Standard Electrode Potentials at 298 K Ions are present as aqueous species and H2O as liquid; gases and solids are shown by g and s. Reaction (Oxidised form + ne– ® Reduced form) E o/V ® 2F– 2.87 F2(g) + 2e– Co3+ + e– ® Co2+ 1.81 H2O2 + 2H+ + 2e– ® 2H2O 1.78 MnO4– + 8H+ + 5e– ® Mn2+ + 4H2O 1.51 Au3+ + 3e– ® Au(s) 1.40 Cl2(g) + 2e– ® 2Cl– 1.36 Cr2O72– + 14H+ + 6e– ® 2Cr3+ + 7H2O 1.33 O2(g) + 4H+ + 4e– ® 2H2O 1.23 MnO2(s) + 4H+ + 2e– ® Mn2+ + 2H2O 1.23 Br2 + 2e– ® 2Br– 1.09 NO3– + 4H+ + 3e– ® NO(g) + 2H2O 0.97 2Hg2+ + 2e– ® Hg22+ 0.92 Ag+ + e– ® Ag(s) 0.80 agent agent Fe3+ + e– ® Fe2+ 0.77 O2(g) + 2H+ + 2e– ® H2O2 0.68 I2 + 2e– ® 2I– 0.54 oxidising reducing 0.52 of Cu+ + e– ® Cu(s) of Cu2+ + 2e– ® Cu(s) 0.34 AgCl(s) + e– ® Ag(s) + Cl– 0.22 strength AgBr(s) + e– ® Ag(s) + Br– strength 0.10 2H+ + 2e– ® H2(g) 0.00 Pb2+ + 2e– ® Pb(s) –0.13 Sn2+ + 2e– ® Sn(s) –0.14 Increasing Increasing Ni2+ + 2e– ® Ni(s) –0.25 Fe2+ + 2e– ® Fe(s) –0.44 Cr3+ + 3e– ® Cr(s) –0.74 Zn2+ + 2e– ® Zn(s) –0.76 2H2O + 2e– ® H2(g) + 2OH–(aq) –0.83 Al3+ + 3e– ® Al(s) –1.66 Mg2+ + 2e– ® Mg(s) –2.36 Na+ + e– ® Na(s) –2.71 Ca2+ + 2e– ® Ca(s) –2.87 K+ + e– ® K(s) –2.93 Li+ + e– ® Li(s) –3.05 1. A negative Eo means that the redox couple is a stronger reducing agent than the H+/H2 couple. 2. A positive Eo means that the redox couple is a weaker reducing agent than the H+/H2 couple. 37 Electrochemistry Reprint 2025-26 In Daniell cell, the electrode potential for any given concentration of Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions, we write For Cathode: E E o RT 1 (2.9)  Cu 2  /Cu  = (Cu 2 + /Cu ) – 2F ln   Cu 2   aq   For Anode: E E o RT 1 (2.10)  Zn 2  /Zn  = ( Zn 2 + / Zn ) – 2F ln   Zn 2   aq   E E 2  2  /Zn  The cell potential, E(cell) =  Cu /Cu  –  Zn o RT 1 E o RT 1 E = (Cu – ( Zn 2 + / Cu ) – 2 F ln 2 + / Zn ) + 2 F ln    Zn 2+ (aq)   Cu 2+ (aq) E o E o RT 1 1 – ln = (Cu 2 + / Cu ) – ( Zn 2 + / Zn ) – 2F ln    Cu 2+  aq    Zn 2+  aq   2  ] RT [ Zn o E(cell) = E ( cell ) – 2 F ln 2 + (2.11) [Cu ] It can be seen that E(cell) depends on the concentration of both Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions. It increases with increase in the concentration of Cu2+ ions and decrease in the concentration of Zn2+ ions. By converting the natural logarithm in Eq. (2.11) to the base 10 and substituting the values of R, F and T = 298 K, it reduces to 2 + ] 0 .059 [ Zn (2.12) 2 + ] E(cell) = E (ocell ) – 2 log [Cu We should use the same number of electrons (n) for both the electrodes and thus for the following cell Ni(s)ú Ni2+(aq) úú Ag+(aq)ú Ag The cell reaction is Ni(s) + 2Ag+(aq) ® Ni2+(aq) + 2Ag(s) The Nernst equation can be written as RT [Ni 2+ ] o + E(cell) = E ( cell ) – 2F ln [Ag ]2 and for a general electrochemical reaction of the type: a A + bB ne– cC + dD Nernst equation can be written as: RT E(cell) = E (ocell ) – nF 1nQ RT [C]c [D]d o (2.13) = E ( cell ) – nF ln [A] a [B]b Chemistry 38 Reprint 2025-26 Represent the cell in which the following reaction takes place ExampleExampleExampleExampleExample 2.12.12.12.12.1 Mg(s) + 2Ag+(0.0001M) ® Mg2+(0.130M) + 2Ag(s) Calculate its E(cell) if E (ocell ) = 3.17 V. The cell can be written as Mgú Mg2+(0.130M)úú Ag+(0.0001M)ú Ag SolutionSolutionSolutionSolutionSolution 2 + Mg RT o E = E ln (  cell  cell ) – 2F + 2 Ag 0 .059V 0.130 = 3.17 V – log 2 = 3.17 V – 0.21V = 2.96 V. 2 ( 0 . 0001) 2.3.1 Equilibrium If the circuit in Daniell cell (Fig. 2.1) is closed then we note that the reaction Constant Zn(s) + Cu2+(aq) ® Zn2+(aq) + Cu(s) (2.1) from Nernst takes place and as time passes, the concentration of Zn2+ keeps Equation on increasing while the concentration of Cu2+ keeps on decreasing. At the same time voltage of the cell as read on the voltmeter keeps on decreasing. After some time, we shall note that there is no change in the concentration of Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions and at the same time, voltmeter gives zero reading. This indicates that equilibrium has been attained. In this situation the Nernst equation may be written as: o 2.303 RT [Zn 2 + ] 2 + E(cell) = 0 = E ( cell ) – 2 F log [Cu ] o 2.303 RT [Zn 2  ] or E ( cell ) = log 2  2 F [Cu ] But at equilibrium, [ Zn 2 + ] = Kc for the reaction 2.1 [Cu2 + ] and at T = 298K the above equation can be written as o 0. 059 V o E ( cell ) = log KC = 1.1 V ( E ( cell ) = 1.1V) 2 (1.1V × 2) log KC =  37.288 0.059 V KC = 2 × 1037 at 298K. In general, o 2.303RT E ( cell ) = log KC (2.14) nF Thus, Eq. (2.14) gives a relationship between equilibrium constant of the reaction and standard potential of the cell in which that reaction takes place. Thus, equilibrium constants of the reaction, difficult to measure otherwise, can be calculated from the corresponding Eo value of the cell. 39 Electrochemistry Reprint 2025-26 ExampleExampleExampleExampleExample 2.22.22.22.22.2 Calculate the equilibrium constant of the reaction: Cu(s) + 2Ag+(aq) ® Cu2+(aq) + 2Ag(s) Eo( cell ) = 0.46 V o 0. 059 V SolutionSolutionSolutionSolutionSolution E ( cell ) = log KC = 0.46 V or 2 0 .46 V × 2 = 15.6 log KC = 0 .059 V KC = 3.92 × 1015 2.3.2 Electro- Electrical work done in one second is equal to electrical potential chemical multiplied by total charge passed. If we want to obtain maximum work Cell and from a galvanic cell then charge has to be passed reversibly. The Gibbs reversible work done by a galvanic cell is equal to decrease in its Gibbs Energy of energy and therefore, if the emf of the cell is E and nF is the amount the Reaction of charge passed and DrG is the Gibbs energy of the reaction, then DrG = – nFE(cell) (2.15) It may be remembered that E(cell) is an intensive parameter but DrG is an extensive thermodynamic property and the value depends on n. Thus, if we write the reaction Zn(s) + Cu2+(aq) ¾® Zn2+(aq) + Cu(s) (2.1) DrG = – 2FE(cell) but when we write the reaction 2 Zn (s) + 2 Cu2+(aq) ¾®2 Zn2+(aq) + 2Cu(s) DrG = – 4FE(cell) If the concentration of all the reacting species is unity, then E(cell) = E (ocell ) and we have DrGo = – nF E(cell)o (2.16) Thus, from the measurement of E (ocell ) we can obtain an important thermodynamic quantity, DrGo, standard Gibbs energy of the reaction. From the latter we can calculate equilibrium constant by the equation: DrGo = –RT ln K. ExampleExampleExampleExampleExample 2.32.32.32.32.3 The standard electrode potential for Daniell cell is 1.1V. Calculate the standard Gibbs energy for the reaction: Zn(s) + Cu2+(aq) ¾® Zn2+(aq) + Cu(s) SolutionSolutionSolutionSolutionSolution DrGo = – nF E(cell)o n in the above equation is 2, F = 96487 C mol–1 and E o( cell ) = 1.1 V Therefore, DrGo = – 2 × 1.1V × 96487 C mol–1 = – 21227 J mol–1 = – 212.27 kJ mol–1 Chemistry 40 Reprint 2025-26 IntextIntextIntextIntextIntext QuestionsQuestionsQuestionsQuestionsQuestions 2.4 Calculate the potential of hydrogen electrode in contact with a solution whose pH is 10. 2.5 Calculate the emf of the cell in which the following reaction takes place: Ni(s) + 2Ag+ (0.002 M) ® Ni2+ (0.160 M) + 2Ag(s) Given that Ecello = 1.05 V 2.6 The cell in which the following reaction occurs: E o = 0.236 V at 298 K. 2Fe 3 + ( aq ) + 2I − ( aq ) → 2Fe 2 + ( aq ) + I 2 ( s ) has cell Calculate the standard Gibbs energy and the equilibrium constant of the cell reaction. 2.42.42.42.42.4 ConductanceConductanceConductanceConductanceConductance It is necessary to define a few terms before we consider the subject of ofofofofof ElectrolyticElectrolyticElectrolyticElectrolyticElectrolytic conductance of electricity through electrolytic solutions. The electrical resistance is represented by the symbol ‘R’ and it is measured in ohm (W) SolutionsSolutionsSolutionsSolutionsSolutions which in terms of SI base units is equal to (kg m2)/(S3 A2). It can be measured with the help of a Wheatstone bridge with which you are familiar from your study of physics. The electrical resistance of any object is directly proportional to its length, l, and inversely proportional to its area of cross section, A. That is, l l R µ or R = r (2.17) A A The constant of proportionality, r (Greek, rho), is called resistivity (specific resistance). Its SI units are ohm metre (W m) and quite often its submultiple, ohm centimetre (W cm) is also used. IUPAC recommends the use of the term resistivity over specific resistance and hence in the rest of the book we shall use the term resistivity. Physically, the resistivity for a substance is its resistance when it is one metre long and its area of cross section is one m2. It can be seen that: 1 W m = 100 W cm or 1 W cm = 0.01 W m The inverse of resistance, R, is called conductance, G, and we have the relation: 1 A A G = = = κ (2.18) R ρ l l The SI unit of conductance is siemens, represented by the symbol ‘S’ and is equal to ohm–1 (also known as mho) or W–1. The inverse of resistivity, called conductivity (specific conductance) is represented by the symbol, k (Greek, kappa). IUPAC has recommended the use of term conductivity over specific conductance and hence we shall use the term conductivity in the rest of the book. The SI units of conductivity are S m–1 but quite often, k is expressed in S cm–1. Conductivity of a material in S m–1 is its conductance when it is 1 m long and its area of cross section is 1 m2. It may be noted that 1 S cm–1 = 100 S m–1. 41 Electrochemistry Reprint 2025-26 Table 2.2: The values of Conductivity of some Selected Materials at 298.15 K Material Conductivity/ Material Conductivity/ S m–1 S m–1 Conductors Aqueous Solutions Sodium 2.1×103 Pure water 3.5×10–5 Copper 5.9×103 0.1 M HCl 3.91 Silver 6.2×103 0.01M KCl 0.14 Gold 4.5×103 0.01M NaCl 0.12 Iron 1.0×103 0.1 M HAc 0.047 Graphite 1.2×10 0.01M HAc 0.016 Insulators Semiconductors Glass 1.0×10–16 CuO 1×10–7 Teflon 1.0×10–18 Si 1.5×10–2 Ge 2.0 It can be seen from Table 2.2 that the magnitude of conductivity varies a great deal and depends on the nature of the material. It also depends on the temperature and pressure at which the measurements are made. Materials are classified into conductors, insulators and semiconductors depending on the magnitude of their conductivity. Metals and their alloys have very large conductivity and are known as conductors. Certain non-metals like carbon-black, graphite and some organic polymers* are also electronically conducting. Substances like glass, ceramics, etc., having very low conductivity are known as insulators. Substances like silicon, doped silicon and gallium arsenide having conductivity between conductors and insulators are called semiconductors and are important electronic materials. Certain materials called superconductors by definition have zero resistivity or infinite conductivity. Earlier, only metals and their alloys at very low temperatures (0 to 15 K) were known to behave as superconductors, but nowadays a number of ceramic materials and mixed oxides are also known to show superconductivity at temperatures as high as 150 K. Electrical conductance through metals is called metallic or electronic conductance and is due to the movement of electrons. The electronic conductance depends on (i) the nature and structure of the metal (ii) the number of valence electrons per atom (iii) temperature (it decreases with increase of temperature). * Electronically conducting polymers – In 1977 MacDiarmid, Heeger and Shirakawa discovered that acetylene gas can be polymerised to produce a polymer, polyacetylene when exposed to vapours of iodine acquires metallic lustre and conductivity. Since then several organic conducting polymers have been made such as polyaniline, polypyrrole and polythiophene. These organic polymers which have properties like metals, being composed wholly of elements like carbon, hydrogen and occasionally nitrogen, oxygen or sulphur, are much lighter than normal metals and can be used for making light-weight batteries. Besides, they have the mechanical properties of polymers such as flexibility so that one can make electronic devices such as transistors that can bend like a sheet of plastic. For the discovery of conducting polymers, MacDiarmid, Heeger and Shirakawa were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the year 2000. Chemistry 42 Reprint 2025-26 As the electrons enter at one end and go out through the other end, the composition of the metallic conductor remains unchanged. The mechanism of conductance through semiconductors is more complex. We already know that even very pure water has small amounts of hydrogen and hydroxyl ions (~10–7M) which lend it very low conductivity (3.5 × 10–5 S m–1). When electrolytes are dissolved in water, they furnish their own ions in the solution hence its conductivity also increases. The conductance of electricity by ions present in the solutions is called electrolytic or ionic conductance. The conductivity of electrolytic (ionic) solutions depends on: (i) the nature of the electrolyte added (ii) size of the ions produced and their solvation (iii) the nature of the solvent and its viscosity (iv) concentration of the electrolyte (v) temperature (it increases with the increase of temperature). Passage of direct current through ionic solution over a prolonged period can lead to change in its composition due to electrochemical reactions (Section 2.4.1). 2.4.1 Measurement We know that accurate measurement of an unknown resistance can be of the performed on a Wheatstone bridge. However, for measuring the resistance Conductivity of an ionic solution we face two problems. Firstly, passing direct current of Ionic (DC) changes the composition of the solution. Secondly, a solution cannot Solutions be connected to the bridge like a metallic wire or other solid conductor. The first difficulty is resolved by using an alternating current (AC) source of power. The second problem is solved by using a specially designed vessel called conductivity cell. It is available in several designs and two simple ones are shown in Fig. 2.4. Connecting Connecting wires wires Platinized Pt Fig. 2.4 electrodes Two different types of conductivity cells. Platinized Pt electrode Platinized Pt electrode Basically it consists of two platinum electrodes coated with platinum black (finely divided metallic Pt is deposited on the electrodes electrochemically). These have area of cross section equal to ‘A’ and are separated by distance ‘l’. Therefore, solution confined between these electrodes is a column of length l and area of cross section A. The resistance of such a column of solution is then given by the equation: l l R = r = (2.17) A A 43 Electrochemistry Reprint 2025-26 The quantity l/A is called cell constant denoted by the symbol, G*. It depends on the distance between the electrodes and their area of cross-section and has the dimension of length–1 and can be calculated if we know l and A. Measurement of l and A is not only inconvenient but also unreliable. The cell constant is usually determined by measuring the resistance of the cell containing a solution whose conductivity is already known. For this purpose, we generally use KCl solutions whose conductivity is known accurately at various concentrations (Table 2.3) and at different temperatures. The cell constant, G*, is then given by the equation: l G* = = R k (2.18) A Table 2.3: Conductivity and Molar conductivity of KCl solutions at 298.15K Concentration/Molarity Conductivity Molar Conductivity mol L–1 mol m–3 S cm–1 S m–1 S cm2mol–1 S m2 mol–1 1.000 1000 0.1113 11.13 111.3 111.3×10–4 0.100 100.0 0.0129 1.29 129.0 129.0×10–4 0.010 10.00 0.00141 0.141 141.0 141.0×10–4 Once the cell constant is determined, we can use it for measuring the resistance or conductivity of any solution. The set up for the measurement of the resistance is shown in Fig. 2.5. It consists of two resistances R3 and R4, a variable resistance R1 and the conductivity cell having the unknown resistance R2. The Wheatstone bridge is fed by an oscillator O (a source of a.c. power in the audio frequency range 550 to 5000 cycles per second). P is a suitable detector (a headphone or other electronic device) and the bridge is balanced when no current passes through the detector. Under these conditions: Fig. 2.5: Arrangement for measurement of R 1 R 4 resistance of a solution of an Unknown resistance R2 = (2.19) R 3 electrolyte. These days, inexpensive conductivity meters are available which can directly read the conductance or resistance of the solution in the conductivity cell. Once the cell constant and the resistance of the solution in the cell is determined, the conductivity of the solution is given by the equation: cell constant G*   (2.20) R R The conductivity of solutions of different electrolytes in the same solvent and at a given temperature differs due to charge and size of the Chemistry 44 Reprint 2025-26 ions in which they dissociate, the concentration of ions or ease with which the ions move under a potential gradient. It, therefore, becomes necessary to define a physically more meaningful quantity called molar conductivity denoted by the symbol Lm (Greek, lambda). It is related to the conductivity of the solution by the equation:  Molar conductivity = Lm = (2.21) c In the above equation, if k is expressed in S m–1 and the concentration, c in mol m–3 then the units of Lm are in S m2 mol–1. It may be noted that: 1 mol m–3 = 1000(L/m3) × molarity (mol/L), and hence  (S cm  1 ) Lm(S cm2 mol–1) =  3 1 1000 L m × molarity (mol L ) If we use S cm–1 as the units for k and mol cm–3, the units of concentration, then the units for Lm are S cm2 mol–1. It can be calculated by using the equation:  (S cm 1 ) × 1000 (cm 3 /L) Lm (S cm2 mol–1) = molarity (mol/L) Both type of units are used in literature and are related to each other by the equations: 1 S m2mol–1 = 104 S cm2mol–1 or 1 S cm2mol–1 = 10–4 S m2mol–1. Resistance of a conductivity cell filled with 0.1 mol L–1 KCl solution is ExampleExampleExampleExampleExample 2.42.42.42.42.4 100 W . If the resistance of the same cell when filled with 0.02 mol L–1 KCl solution is 520 W , calculate the conductivity and molar conductivity of 0.02 mol L–1 KCl solution. The conductivity of 0.1 mol L–1 KCl solution is 1.29 S/m. SolutionSolutionSolutionSolutionSolution The cell constant is given by the equation: Cell constant = G* = conductivity × resistance = 1.29 S/m × 100 W = 129 m–1 = 1.29 cm–1 Conductivity of 0.02 mol L–1 KCl solution = cell constant / resistance G * 129 m –1 = = = 0.248 S m–1 R 520  Concentration = 0.02 mol L–1 = 1000 × 0.02 mol m–3 = 20 mol m–3  Molar conductivity = m  c 248 × 10 –3 S m –1 = –3 = 124 × 10–4 S m2mol–1 20 mol m 1.29 cm –1 Alternatively, k = = 0.248 × 10–2 S cm–1 520  45 Electrochemistry Reprint 2025-26 and Lm = k × 1000 cm3 L–1 molarity–1 0.248×10 –2 S cm –1 ×1000 cm 3 L–1 = –1 0.02 mol L = 124 S cm2 mol–1 ExampleExampleExampleExampleExample 2.52.52.52.52.5 The electrical resistance of a column of 0.05 mol L–1 NaOH solution of diameter 1 cm and length 50 cm is 5.55 × 103 ohm. Calculate its resistivity, conductivity and molar conductivity. SolutionSolutionSolutionSolutionSolution A = p r2 = 3.14 × 0.52 cm2 = 0.785 cm2 = 0.785 × 10–4 m2 l = 50 cm = 0.5 m  l RA 5.55  10 3  0.785cm 2 R = or    = 87.135 W cm A l 50cm 1  1  Conductivity =  = =   S cm–1   87.135  = 0.01148 S cm–1  × 1000 Molar conductivity, m = cm3 L–1 c 0.01148 S cm –1 ×1000 cm 3 L–1 = –1 0.05 mol L = 229.6 S cm2 mol–1 If we want to calculate the values of different quantities in terms of ‘m’ instead of ‘cm’, RA = l 5.55 × 10 3  × 0.785×10 –4 m 2 = = 87.135 ×10–2 W m 0.5 m 1 100  =  m = 1.148 S m–1 = 87.135  1.148 S m –1 and m = = –3 = 229.6 × 10–4 S m2 mol–1. c 50 mol m 2.4.2 Variation of Both conductivity and molar conductivity change with the Conductivity concentration of the electrolyte. Conductivity always decreases with and Molar decrease in concentration both, for weak and strong electrolytes. Conductivity This can be explained by the fact that the number of ions per unit with volume that carry the current in a solution decreases on dilution. Concentration The conductivity of a solution at any given concentration is the conductance of one unit volume of solution kept between two Chemistry 46 Reprint 2025-26 platinum electrodes with unit area of cross section and at a distance of unit length. This is clear from the equation: A G = =  (both A and l are unity in their appropriate units in l m or cm) Molar conductivity of a solution at a given concentration is the conductance of the volume V of solution containing one mole of electrolyte kept between two electrodes with area of cross section A and distance of unit length. Therefore, κA Λm = =κ l Since l = 1 and A = V ( volume containing 1 mole of electrolyte) Lm = k V (2.22) Molar conductivity increases with decrease in concentration. This is because the total volume, V, of solution containing one mole of electrolyte also increases. It has been found that decrease in k on dilution of a solution is more than compensated by increase in its volume. Physically, it means that at a given concentration, Lm can be defined as the conductance of the electrolytic solution kept between the electrodes of a conductivity cell at unit distance but having area of cross section large enough to accommodate sufficient volume of solution that contains one mole of the electrolyte. When concentration approaches zero, the molar conductivity is known as limiting molar conductivity and is represented by theFig. 2.6: Molar conductivity versus c½ for acetic acid (weak electrolyte) and potassium symbol L°m . The variation in Lm with chloride (strong electrolyte) in aqueous concentration is different (Fig. 2.6) for solutions. strong and weak electrolytes. Strong Electrolytes For strong electrolytes, Lm increases slowly with dilution and can be represented by the equation: Lm = L°m – A c ½ (2.23) It can be seen that if we plot (Fig. 2.6) Lm against c1/2, we obtain a straight line with intercept equal to L°m and slope equal to ‘–A’. The value of the constant ‘A’ for a given solvent and temperature depends on the type of electrolyte i.e., the charges on the cation and anion produced on the dissociation of the electrolyte in the solution. Thus, NaCl, CaCl2, MgSO4 are known as 1-1, 2-1 and 2-2 electrolytes respectively. All electrolytes of a particular type have the same value for ‘A’. 47 Electrochemistry Reprint 2025-26 ExampleExampleExampleExampleExample 2.62.62.62.62.6 The molar conductivity of KCl solutions at different concentrations at 298 K are given below: c/mol L–1 Lm/S cm2 mol–1 0.000198 148.61 0.000309 148.29 0.000521 147.81 0.000989 147.09 Show that a plot between Lm and c1/2 is a straight line. Determine the values of L°m and A for KCl. SolutionSolutionSolutionSolutionSolution Taking the square root of concentration we obtain: c1/2/(mol L–1 )1/2 Lm/S cm2mol–1 0.01407 148.61 0.01758 148.29 0.02283 147.81 0.03145 147.09 A plot of Lm ( y-axis) and c1/2 (x-axis) is shown in (Fig. 3.7). It can be seen that it is nearly a straight line. From the intercept (c1/2 = 0), we find that L°m = 150.0 S cm2 mol–1 and A = – slope = 87.46 S cm2 mol–1/(mol/L–1)1/2. Fig. 2.7: Variation of Lm against c½. Chemistry 48 Reprint 2025-26 Kohlrausch examined L°m values for a number of strong electrolytes and observed certain regularities. He noted that the difference in L°m of the electrolytes NaX and KX for any X is nearly constant. For example at 298 K: m L°m (KCl) – L°m (NaCl) = L°m (KBr) – L° (NaBr) = L°m (KI) – L°m (NaI) ≃ 23.4 S cm2 mol–1 and similarly it was found that L°m (NaBr)– L°m (NaCl) = L°m (KBr) – L°m (KCl) ≃ 1.8 S cm2 mol–1 On the basis of the above observations he enunciated Kohlrausch law of independent migration of ions. The law states that limiting molar conductivity of an electrolyte can be represented as the sum of the individual contributions of the anion and cation of the electrolyte. Thus, – are limiting molar conductivity of the sodium and chlorideif l°Na+ and l°Cl ions respectively, then the limiting molar conductivity for sodium chloride is given by the equation: l° l° L°m – (2.24) (NaCl) = Na+ + Cl In general, if an electrolyte on dissociation gives n+ cations and n– anions then its limiting molar conductivity is given by: L°m = n+ l°+ + n– l°– (2.25) Here, l°+ and l°– are the limiting molar conductivities of the cation and anion respectively. The values of l° for some cations and anions at 298 K are given in Table 2.4. Table 2.4: Limiting Molar Conductivity for some Ions in Water at 298 K Ion l0/(S cm2mol–1) Ion l 0/(S cm2 mol–1) H+ 349.6 OH– 199.1 Na+ 50.1 Cl– 76.3 K+ 73.5 Br– 78.1 Ca2+ 119.0 CH3COO– 40.9 2 Mg2+ 106.0 SO4 160.0 Weak Electrolytes Weak electrolytes like acetic acid have lower degree of dissociation at higher concentrations and hence for such electrolytes, the change in Lm with dilution is due to increase in the degree of dissociation and consequently the number of ions in total volume of solution that contains 1 mol of electrolyte. In such cases Lm increases steeply (Fig. 2.6) on dilution, especially near lower concentrations. Therefore, L°m cannot be obtained by extrapolation of Lm to zero concentration. At infinite dilution (i.e., concentration c ® zero) electrolyte dissociates completely (a =1), but at such low concentration the conductivity of the solution is so low that it cannot be measured accurately. Therefore, L°m for weak electrolytes is obtained by using Kohlrausch law of independent migration of ions (Example 2.8). At any concentration c, if a is the degree of dissociation 49 Electrochemistry Reprint 2025-26 then it can be approximated to the ratio of molar conductivity Lm at the concentration c to limiting molar conductivity, L0m . Thus we have: m  = ° (2.26) m But we know that for a weak electrolyte like acetic acid (Class XI, Unit 7), c  2 cm2 c m2 K = = =   a 1   m m  m   m  (2.27) m 2 1     m  Applications of Kohlrausch law Using Kohlrausch law of independent migration of ions, it is possible to calculate L0m for any electrolyte from the lo of individual ions. Moreover, for weak electrolytes like acetic acid it is possible to determine the value of its dissociation constant once we know the L0m and Lm at a given concentration c. ExampleExampleExampleExampleExample 2.72.72.72.72.7 Calculate L0m for CaCl2 and MgSO4 from the data given in Table 3.4. SolutionSolutionSolutionSolutionSolution We know from Kohlrausch law that – = 119.0 S cm2 mol–1 + 2(76.3) S cm2 mol–1 m  CaCl 2  = Ca 2+  2 Cl = (119.0 + 152.6) S cm2 mol–1 = 271.6 S cm2 mol–1 2+  m  MgSO 4  = Mg  SO 2–4 = 106.0 S cm2 mol–1 + 160.0 S cm2 mol–1 = 266 S cm2 mol–1 . ExampleExampleExampleExampleExample 2.82.82.82.82.8 L0m for NaCl, HCl and NaAc are 126.4, 425.9 and 91.0 S cm2 mol–1 respectively. Calculate L0 for HAc.       +  Ac – H + Cl – Ac – Na + Cl – Na + SolutionSolutionSolutionSolutionSolution m  HAc  = H = m  HCl   m  NaAc   m  NaCl  = (425.9 + 91.0 – 126.4 ) S cm2 mol –1 = 390.5 S cm2 mol–1 . ExampleExampleExampleExampleExample 2.92.92.92.92.9 The conductivity of 0.001028 mol L–1 acetic acid is 4.95 × 10–5 S cm–1. Calculate its dissociation constant if L0m for acetic acid is 390.5 S cm2 mol–1.  4 . 95 10  5 Scm  1 1000cm 3 SolutionSolutionSolutionSolutionSolution m =  1  = 48.15 S cm3 mol–1 c 0 . 001028 mol L L m 48.15 Scm 2 mol 1 a =   2  1 = 0.1233 m 390.5 Scm mol c2 0 .001028molL–1  (0 .1233) 2 k = = 1.78 × 10–5 mol L–1  1   1  0 .1233 Chemistry 50 Reprint 2025-26 IntextIntextIntextIntextIntext QuestionsQuestionsQuestionsQuestionsQuestions 2.7 Why does the conductivity of a solution decrease with dilution? 2.8 Suggest a way to determine the L°m value of water. 2.9 The molar conductivity of 0.025 mol L–1 methanoic acid is 46.1 S cm2 mol–1. Calculate its degree of dissociation and dissociation constant. Given l0(H+) = 349.6 S cm2 mol–1 and l0 (HCOO–) = 54.6 S cm2 mol–1. 2.52.52.52.52.5 ElectrolyticElectrolyticElectrolyticElectrolyticElectrolytic In an electrolytic cell external source of voltage is used to bring about a chemical reaction. The electrochemical processes are of great importance CellsCellsCellsCellsCells andandandandand in the laboratory and the chemical industry. One of the simplest electrolytic ElectrolysisElectrolysisElectrolysisElectrolysisElectrolysis cell consists of two copper strips dipping in an aqueous solution of copper sulphate. If a DC voltage is applied to the two electrodes, then Cu 2+ ions discharge at the cathode (negatively charged) and the following reaction takes place: Cu2+(aq) + 2e– ® Cu (s) (2.28) Copper metal is deposited on the cathode. At the anode, copper is converted into Cu2+ ions by the reaction: Cu(s) ® Cu2+(s) + 2e– (2.29) Thus copper is dissolved (oxidised) at anode and deposited (reduced) at cathode. This is the basis for an industrial process in which impure copper is converted into copper of high purity. The impure copper is made an anode that dissolves on passing current and pure copper is deposited at the cathode. Many metals like Na, Mg, Al, etc. are produced on large scale by electrochemical reduction of their respective cations where no suitable chemical reducing agents are available for this purpose. Sodium and magnesium metals are produced by the electrolysis of their fused chlorides and aluminium is produced by electrolysis of aluminium oxide in presence of cryolite. Quantitative Aspects of Electrolysis Michael Faraday was the first scientist who described the quantitative aspects of electrolysis. Now Faraday’s laws also flow from what has been discussed earlier. Faraday’s Laws of Electrolysis After his extensive investigations on electrolysis of solutions and melts of electrolytes, Faraday published his results during 1833-34 in the form of the following well known Faraday’s two laws of electrolysis: (i) First Law: The amount of chemical reaction which occurs at any electrode during electrolysis by a current is proportional to the quantity of electricity passed through the electrolyte (solution or melt). (ii) Second Law: The amounts of different substances liberated by the same quantity of electricity passing through the electrolytic solution are proportional to their chemical equivalent weights (Atomic Mass of Metal ÷ Number of electrons required to reduce the cation). 51 Electrochemistry Reprint 2025-26 There were no constant current sources available during Faraday’s times. The general practice was to put a coulometer (a standard electrolytic cell) for determining the quantity of electricity passed from the amount of metal (generally silver or copper) deposited or consumed. However, coulometers are now obsolete and we now have constant current (I) sources available and the quantity of electricity Q, passed is given by Q = It Q is in coloumbs when I is in ampere and t is in second. The amount of electricity (or charge) required for oxidation or reduction depends on the stoichiometry of the electrode reaction. For example, in the reaction: Ag +(aq) + e– ® Ag(s) (2.30) One mole of the electron is required for the reduction of one mole of silver ions. We know that charge on one electron is equal to 1.6021 × 10–19C. Therefore, the charge on one mole of electrons is equal to: NA × 1.6021 × 10–19 C = 6.02 × 1023 mol–1 × 1.6021 × 10–19 C = 96487 C mol–1 This quantity of electricity is called Faraday and is represented by the symbol F. For approximate calculations we use 1F ≃ 96500 C mol–1. For the electrode reactions: Mg2+(l) + 2e– ¾® Mg(s) (2.31) Al3+(l) + 3e– ¾® Al(s) (2.32) It is obvious that one mole of Mg2+ and Al3+ require 2 mol of electrons (2F) and 3 mol of electrons (3F) respectively. The charge passed through the electrolytic cell during electrolysis is equal to the product of current in amperes and time in seconds. In commercial production of metals, current as high as 50,000 amperes are used that amounts to about 0.518 F per second. ExampleExampleExampleExampleExample 2.102.102.102.102.10 A solution of CuSO4 is electrolysed for 10 minutes with a current of 1.5 amperes. What is the mass of copper deposited at the cathode? SolutionSolutionSolutionSolutionSolution t = 600 s charge = current × time = 1.5 A × 600 s = 900 C According to the reaction: Cu2+(aq) + 2e– = Cu(s) We require 2F or 2 × 96487 C to deposit 1 mol or 63 g of Cu. For 900 C, the mass of Cu deposited = (63 g mol–1 × 900 C)/(2 × 96487 C mol–1) = 0.2938 g. 2.5.1 Products of Products of electrolysis depend on the nature of material being Electrolysis electrolysed and the type of electrodes being used. If the electrode is inert (e.g., platinum or gold), it does not participate in the chemical reaction and acts only as source or sink for electrons. On the other hand, if the electrode is reactive, it participates in the electrode reaction. Thus, the products of electrolysis may be different for reactive and inert Chemistry 52 Reprint 2025-26 electrodes.The products of electrolysis depend on the different oxidising and reducing species present in the electrolytic cell and their standard electrode potentials. Moreover, some of the electrochemical processes although feasible, are so slow kinetically that at lower voltages these do not seem to take place and extra potential (called overpotential) has to be applied, which makes such process more difficult to occur. For example, if we use molten NaCl, the products of electrolysis are sodium metal and Cl2 gas. Here we have only one cation (Na+) which is reduced at the cathode (Na+ + e– ® Na) and one anion (Cl–) which is oxidised at the anode (Cl– ® ½Cl2 + e– ). During the electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride solution, the products are NaOH, Cl2 and H2. In this case besides Na+ and Cl– ions we also have H+ and OH– ions along with the solvent molecules, H2O. At the cathode there is competition between the following reduction reactions: Na+ (aq) + e– ® Na (s) E (ocell ) = – 2.71 V H+ (aq) + e– ® ½ H2 (g) E (ocell ) = 0.00 V The reaction with higher value of Eo is preferred and therefore, the reaction at the cathode during electrolysis is: H+ (aq) + e– ® ½ H2 (g) (2.33) but H+ (aq) is produced by the dissociation of H2O, i.e., H2O (l ) ® H+ (aq) + OH– (aq) (2.34) Therefore, the net reaction at the cathode may be written as the sum of (2.33) and (2.34) and we have H2O (l ) + e– ® ½H2(g) + OH– (2.35) At the anode the following oxidation reactions are possible: Cl– (aq) ® ½ Cl2 (g) + e– E (ocell ) = 1.36 V (2.36) 2H2O (l ) ® O2 (g) + 4H+(aq) + 4e– E (ocell ) = 1.23 V (2.37) The reaction at anode with lower value of E o is preferred and therefore, water should get oxidised in preference to Cl– (aq). However, on account of overpotential of oxygen, reaction (2.36) is preferred. Thus, the net reactions may be summarised as: NaCl (aq) H 2 O → Na+ (aq) + Cl– (aq) Cathode: H2O(l ) + e– ® ½ H2(g) + OH– (aq) Anode: Cl– (aq) ® ½ Cl2(g) + e– Net reaction: NaCl(aq) + H2O(l) ® Na+(aq) + OH–(aq) + ½H2(g) + ½Cl2(g) The standard electrode potentials are replaced by electrode potentials given by Nernst equation (Eq. 2.8) to take into account the concentration effects. During the electrolysis of sulphuric acid, the following processes are possible at the anode: 2H2O(l) ® O2(g) + 4H+(aq) + 4e– E (ocell ) = +1.23 V (2.38) 53 Electrochemistry Reprint 2025-26 2SO42– (aq) ® S2O8 2– (aq) + 2e– E (ocell ) = 1.96 V (2.39) For dilute sulphuric acid, reaction (2.38) is preferred but at higher concentrations of H2SO4, reaction (2.39) is preferred. IntextIntextIntextIntextIntext QuestionsQuestionsQuestionsQuestionsQuestions 2.10 If a current of 0.5 ampere flows through a metallic wire for 2 hours, then how many electrons would flow through the wire? 2.11 Suggest a list of metals that are extracted electrolytically. 2.12 Consider the reaction: Cr2O7 2– + 14H+ + 6e– ® 2Cr3+ + 7H2O What is the quantity of electricity in coulombs needed to reduce 1 mol of Cr2O7 2–? 2.62.62.62.62.6 BatteriesBatteriesBatteriesBatteriesBatteries Any battery (actually it may have one or more than one cell connected in series) or cell that we use as a source of electrical energy is basically a galvanic cell where the chemical energy of the redox reaction is converted into electrical energy. However, for a battery to be of practical use it should be reasonably light, compact and its voltage should not vary appreciably during its use. There are mainly two types of batteries. 2.6.1 Primary In the primary batteries, the reaction occurs only once and after use Batteries over a period of time battery becomes dead and cannot be reused again. The most familiar example of this type is the dry cell (known as Leclanche cell after its discoverer) which is used commonly in our transistors and clocks. The cell consists of a zinc container that also acts as anode and the cathode is a carbon (graphite) rod surrounded by powdered manganese dioxide and carbon (Fig.2.8). The space between the electrodes is filled by a moist paste of ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) and zinc chloride (ZnCl2). The electrode reactions are complex, but they can be written approximately as follows : Anode: Zn(s) ¾® Zn2+ + 2e– Cathode: MnO2+ NH4 ++ e–¾® MnO(OH) + NH3 In the reaction at cathode, manganese is reduced from the + 4 oxidation state to the +3 state. Ammonia produced in the reaction forms a complex with Zn2+ to give [Zn (NH3)4]2+. The cell has a potential of nearly 1.5 V. Mercury cell, (Fig. 2.9) suitable for low current devices like hearing aids, watches, etc. consists of zinc – mercury amalgam as anode and a paste of HgO and carbon as the Fig. 2.8: A commercial dry cell cathode. The electrolyte is a paste of KOH and ZnO. The consists of a graphite electrode reactions for the cell are given below: (carbon) cathode in a Anode: Zn(Hg) + 2OH– ¾® ZnO(s) + H2O + 2e– zinc container; the latter Cathode: HgO + H2O + 2e– ¾® Hg(l) + 2OH– acts as the anode. Chemistry 54 Reprint 2025-26 The overall reaction is represented by Zn(Hg) + HgO(s) ¾® ZnO(s) + Hg(l) The cell potential is approximately 1.35 V and remains constant during its Fig. 2.9 life as the overall reaction does not Commonly used involve any ion in solution whose mercury cell. The concentration can change during its life reducing agent is time. zinc and the oxidising agent is mercury (II) oxide. 2.6.2 Secondary A secondary cell after use can be recharged by passing current Batteries through it in the opposite direction so that it can be used again. A good secondary cell can undergo a large number of discharging and charging cycles. The most important secondary cell is the lead storage battery (Fig. 2.10) commonly used in automobiles and invertors. It consists of a lead anode and a grid of lead packed with lead dioxide (PbO2 ) as cathode. A 38% solution of sulphuric acid is used as an electrolyte. The cell reactions when the battery is in use are given below: Anode: Pb(s) + SO42–(aq) ® PbSO4(s) + 2e– Cathode: PbO2(s) + SO42–(aq) + 4H+(aq) + 2e– ® PbSO4 (s) + 2H2O (l) i.e., overall cell reaction consisting of cathode and anode reactions is: Pb(s) + PbO2(s) + 2H2SO4(aq) ® 2PbSO4(s) + 2H2O(l) On charging the battery the reaction is reversed and PbSO4(s) on anode and cathode is converted into Pb and PbO2, respectively. Fig. 2.10: The Lead storage battery. 55 Electrochemistry Reprint 2025-26 Another important secondary cell is the nickel-cadmium cell (Fig. 2.11) which has longer life than the lead storage cell but Fig. 2.11 more expensive to manufacture. A rechargeable We shall not go into details of nickel-cadmium cell working of the cell and the Positive plate in a jelly roll electrode reactions during arrangement and Separator charging and discharging. separated by a layer Negative plate The overall reaction during soaked in moist discharge is: sodium or potassium hydroxide. Cd (s) + 2Ni(OH)3 (s) ® CdO (s) + 2Ni(OH)2 (s) + H2O (l ) 2.72.72.72.72.7 FuelFuelFuelFuelFuel CellsCellsCellsCellsCells Production of electricity by thermal plants is not a very efficient method and is a major source of pollution. In such plants, the chemical energy (heat of combustion) of fossil fuels (coal, gas or oil) is first used for converting water into high pressure steam. This is then used to run a turbine to produce electricity. We know that a galvanic cell directly converts chemical energy into electricity and is highly efficient. It is now possible to make such cells in which reactants are fed continuously to the electrodes and products are removed continuously from the electrolyte compartment. Galvanic cells that are designed to convert the energy of combustion of fuels like hydrogen, methane, methanol, etc. directly into electrical energy are called fuel cells. One of the most successful fuel cells uses the reaction of hydrogen with oxygen to form water (Fig. 2.12). The cell was used for providing electrical power in the Apollo space programme. The water vapours produced during the reaction were condensed and added to the drinking water supply for the astronauts. In the cell, hydrogen and oxygen are bubbled through porous carbon electrodes into concentrated aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. Catalysts like finely divided platinum or palladium metal are incorporated into the electrodes for increasing the rate of electrode Fig. 2.12: Fuel cell using H2 and O2 produces electricity. reactions. The electrode reactions are given below: Cathode: O2(g) + 2H2O(l) + 4e–¾® 4OH–(aq) Anode: 2H2 (g) + 4OH–(aq) ¾® 4H2O(l) + 4e– Overall reaction being: 2H2(g) + O2(g) ¾® 2H2O(l ) The cell runs continuously as long as the reactants are supplied. Fuel cells produce electricity with an efficiency of about 70 % compared Chemistry 56 Reprint 2025-26 to thermal plants whose efficiency is about 40%. There has been tremendous progress in the development of new electrode materials, better catalysts and electrolytes for increasing the efficiency of fuel cells. These have been used in automobiles on an experimental basis. Fuel cells are pollution free and in view of their future importance, a variety of fuel cells have been fabricated and tried. 2.82.82.82.82.8 CorrosionCorrosionCorrosionCorrosionCorrosion Corrosion slowly coats the surfaces of metallic objects with oxides or other salts of the metal. The rusting of iron, tarnishing of silver, development of green coating on copper and bronze are some of the examples of corrosion. It causes enormous damage to buildings, bridges, ships and to all objects made of metals especially that of iron. We lose crores of rupees every year on account of corrosion. In corrosion, a metal is oxidised by loss of electrons to oxygen and formation of oxides. Corrosion of iron (commonly known as rusting) occurs in presence of water and air. The chemistry of corrosion is quite complex but it may be considered Oxidation: Fe (s)® Fe2+ (aq) +2e– essentially as an electrochemical Reduction: O2 (g) + 4H+(aq) +4e– ® 2H2O(l) phenomenon. At a particular spot Atomospheric (Fig. 2.13) of an object made of iron,oxidation: 2Fe2+(aq) + 2H2O(l) + ½O2(g) ® Fe2O3(s) + 4H+(aq) oxidation takes place and that spot Fig. 2.13: Corrosion of iron in atmosphere behaves as anode and we can write the reaction E o Anode: 2 Fe (s) ¾® 2 Fe2+ + 4 e– (Fe 2+ /Fe) = – 0.44 V Electrons released at anodic spot move through the metal and go to another spot on the metal and reduce oxygen in the presence of H+ (which is believed to be available from H2CO3 formed due to dissolution of carbon dioxide from air into water. Hydrogen ion in water may also be available due to dissolution of other acidic oxides from the atmosphere). This spot behaves as cathode with the reaction E o =1.23 V Cathode: O2(g) + 4 H+(aq) + 4 e– ¾® 2 H2O (l) H + | O 2 | H 2 O The overall reaction being: 2Fe(s) + O2(g) + 4H+(aq) ¾® 2Fe2 +(aq) + 2 H2O (l) E o(cell) =1.67 V The ferrous ions are further oxidised by atmospheric oxygen to ferric ions which come out as rust in the form of hydrated ferric oxide (Fe2O3. x H2O) and with further production of hydrogen ions. Prevention of corrosion is of prime importance. It not only saves money but also helps in preventing accidents such as a bridge collapse or failure of a key component due to corrosion. One of the simplest methods of preventing corrosion is to prevent the surface of the metallic object to come in contact with atmosphere. This can be done by covering the surface with paint or by some chemicals (e.g. bisphenol). Another simple method is to cover the surface by other metals (Sn, Zn, etc.) that are inert or react to save the object. An electrochemical method is to provide a sacrificial electrode of another metal (like Mg, Zn, etc.) which corrodes itself but saves the object. 57 Electrochemistry Reprint 2025-26 IntextIntextIntextIntextIntext QuestionsQuestionsQuestionsQuestionsQuestions 2.13 Write the chemistry of recharging the lead storage battery, highlighting all the materials that are involved during recharging. 2.14 Suggest two materials other than hydrogen that can be used as fuels in fuel cells. 2.15 Explain how rusting of iron is envisaged as setting up of an electrochemical cell. TheTheTheTheThe HydrogenHydrogenHydrogenHydrogenHydrogen EconomyEconomyEconomyEconomyEconomy At present the main source of energy that is driving our economy is fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. As more people on the planet aspire to improve their standard of living, their energy requirement will increase. In fact, the per capita consumption of energy used is a measure of development. Of course, it is assumed that energy is used for productive purpose and not merely wasted. We are already aware that carbon dioxide produced by the combustion of fossil fuels is resulting in the ‘Greenhouse Effect’. This is leading to a rise in the temperature of the Earth’s surface, causing polar ice to melt and ocean levels to rise. This will flood low-lying areas along the coast and some island nations such as Maldives face total submergence. In order to avoid such a catastrope, we need to limit our use of carbonaceous fuels. Hydrogen provides an ideal alternative as its combustion results in water only. Hydrogen production must come from splitting water using solar energy. Therefore, hydrogen can be used as a renewable and non polluting source of energy. This is the vision of the Hydrogen Economy. Both the production of hydrogen by electrolysis of water and hydrogen combustion in a fuel cell will be important in the future. And both these technologies are based on electrochemical principles. SummarySummarySummarySummarySummary An electrochemical cell consists of two metallic electrodes dipping in electrolytic solution(s). Thus an important component of the electrochemical cell is the ionic conductor or electrolyte. Electrochemical cells are of two types. In galvanic cell, the chemical energy of a spontaneous redox reaction is converted into electrical work, whereas in an electrolytic cell, electrical energy is used to carry out a non- spontaneous redox reaction. The standard electrode potential for any electrode dipping in an appropriate solution is defined with respect to standard electrode potential of hydrogen electrode taken as zero. The standard potential of the cell can be obtained by taking the difference of the standard potentials of cathode and anode ( E (ocell ) = Eocathode – Eoanode). The standard potential of the cells are related to standard Gibbs energy (DrGo = –nF E (ocell ) ) and equilibrium constant (DrGo = – RT ln K) of the reaction taking place in the cell. Concentration dependence of the potentials of the electrodes and the cells are given by Nernst equation. The conductivity, k, of an electrolytic solution depends on the concentration of the electrolyte, nature of solvent and temperature. Molar conductivity, Lm, is defined by = k/c where c is the concentration. Conductivity decreases but molar conductivity increases with decrease in concentration. It increases slowly with decrease in concentration for strong electrolytes while the increase is very steep for weak electrolytes in very dilute solutions. Kohlrausch found that molar conductivity at infinite dilution, for an electrolyte is sum of the contribution of the Chemistry 58 Reprint 2025-26 molar conductivity of the ions in which it dissociates. It is known as law of independent migration of ions and has many applications. Ions conduct electricity through the solution but oxidation and reduction of the ions take place at the electrodes in an electrochemical cell. Batteries and fuel cells are very useful forms of galvanic cell. Corrosion of metals is essentially an electrochemical phenomenon. Electrochemical principles are relevant to the Hydrogen Economy. ExercisesExercisesExercisesExercisesExercises

6.11 IONIZATION OF ACIDS AND BASES and the equilibrium will shift in the direction of weaker acid. Say, if HA is a stronger acidArrhenius concept of acids and bases than H3O+, then HA will donate protons andbecomes useful in case of ionization of acids not H3O+, and the solution will mainly containand bases as mostly ionizations in chemical A– and H3O+ ions. The equilibrium moves inand biological systems occur in aqueous the direction of formation of weaker acid medium. Strong acids like perchloric acid Reprint 2025-26 EQUILIBRIUM 193 and weaker base because the stronger acid H2O(l) + H2O(l) H3O+(aq) + OH–(aq) donates a proton to the stronger base. acid base conjugate conjugate It follows that as a strong acid dissociates acid base completely in water, the resulting base formed The dissociation constant is represented by, would be very weak i.e., strong acids have K = [H3O+] [OH–] / [H2O] (6.26)very weak conjugate bases. Strong acids like perchloric acid (HClO4), hydrochloric acid The concentration of water is omitted from (HCl), hydrobromic acid (HBr), hydroiodic acid the denominator as water is a pure liquid and (HI), nitric acid (HNO3) and sulphuric acid its concentration remains constant. [H2O] is (H2SO4) will give conjugate base ions ClO4–, Cl, incorporated within the equilibrium constant Br–, I–, NO3– and HSO4– , which are much weaker to give a new constant, Kw, which is called the bases than H2O. Similarly a very strong base ionic product of water. would give a very weak conjugate acid. On the Kw = [H+][OH–] (6.27) other hand, a weak acid say HA is only partially The concentration of H+ has been founddissociated in aqueous medium and thus, the out experimentally as 1.0 × 10–7 M at 298 K.solution mainly contains undissociated HA And, as dissociation of water produces equalmolecules. Typical weak acids are nitrous number of H+ and OH– ions, the concentrationacid (HNO2), hydrofluoric acid (HF) and acetic of hydroxyl ions, [OH–] = [H+] = 1.0 × 10–7 M.acid (CH3COOH). It should be noted that the Thus, the value of Kw at 298K,weak acids have very strong conjugate bases. For example, NH2–, O 2– and H– are very good Kw = [H3O+][OH–] = (1 × 10–7)2 = 1 × 10–14 M2 proton acceptors and thus, much stronger (6.28) bases than H2O. The value of Kw is temperature dependent Certain water soluble organic compounds as it is an equilibrium constant. like phenolphthalein and bromothymol blue The density of pure water is 1000 g / Lbehave as weak acids and exhibit different and its molar mass is 18.0 g /mol. From thiscolours in their acid (HIn) and conjugate base the molarity of pure water can be given as,(In– ) forms. [H2O] = (1000 g /L)(1 mol/18.0 g) = 55.55 M.HIn(aq) + H2O(l) H3O+(aq) + In–(aq) Therefore, the ratio of dissociated water toacid conjugate conjugate that of undissociated water can be given as: indicator acid base 10–7 / (55.55) = 1.8 × 10–9 or ~ 2 in 10–9 (thus, colour A colour B equilibrium lies mainly towards undissociated Such compounds are useful as indicators water) in acid-base titrations, and finding out H+ ion We can distinguish acidic, neutral andconcentration. basic aqueous solutions by the relative values 6.11.1 The Ionization Constant of Water of the H3O+ and OH– concentrations: and its Ionic Product Acidic: [H3O+] > [OH– ]Some substances like water are unique in Neutral: [H3O+] = [OH– ]their ability of acting both as an acid and a base. We have seen this in case of water in Basic : [H3O+] < [OH–] section 6.10.2. In presence of an acid, HA it accepts a proton and acts as the base while 6.11.2 The pH Scale in the presence of a base, B– it acts as an Hydronium ion concentration in molarity is acid by donating a proton. In pure water, one more conveniently expressed on a logarithmic H2O molecule donates proton and acts as an scale known as the pH scale. The pH of a acid and another water molecules accepts a solution is defined as the negative logarithm proton and acts as a base at the same time. of hydrogen to base 10 of the activity  aH The following equilibrium exists: Reprint 2025-26 194 chemistry ion. In dilute solutions (< 0.01 M), activity when the hydrogen ion concentration, [H+] of hydrogen ion (H+) is equal in magnitude changes by a factor of 100, the value of pH to molarity represented by [H+]. It should changes by 2 units. Now you can realise why be noted that activity has no units and is the change in pH with temperature is often defined as: ignored. = [H+] / mol L–1 Measurement of pH of a solution is very essential as its value should be known From the definition of pH, the following when dealing with biological and cosmeticcan be written, applications. The pH of a solution can be pH = – log aH+ = – log {[H+] / mol L–1} found roughly with the help of pH paper that has different colour in solutions of different Thus, an acidic solution of HCl (10–2 M) will have a pH = 2. Similarly, a basic solution pH. Now-a-days pH paper is available with of NaOH having [OH–] =10–4 M and [H3O+] = four strips on it. The different strips have 10–10 M will have a pH = 10. At 25 °C, pure different colours (Fig. 6.11) at the same pH. water has a concentration of hydrogen ions, The pH in the range of 1-14 can be determined [H+] = 10–7 M. Hence, the pH of pure water is with an accuracy of ~0.5 using pH paper. given as: pH = –log(10–7) = 7 Acidic solutions possess a concentration of hydrogen ions, [H+] > 10–7 M, while basic solutions possess a concentration of hydrogen ions, [H+] < 10–7 M. thus, we can summarise that Fig.6.11 pH-paper with four strips that may haveAcidic solution has pH < 7 different colours at the same pH Basic solution has pH > 7 For greater accuracy pH meters are used.Neutral solution has pH = 7 pH meter is a device that measures the Now again, consider the equation (6.28) pH-dependent electrical potential of the testat 298 K solution within 0.001 precision. pH meters Kw = [H3O+] [OH–] = 10–14 of the size of a writing pen are now available Taking negative logarithm on both sides in the market. The pH of some very common of equation, we obtain substances are given in Table 6.5 (page 195). –log Kw = – log {[H3O+] [OH–]} Problem 6.16 = – log [H3O+] – log [OH–] –14 The concentration of hydrogen ion in a = – log 10 sample of soft drink is 3.8 × 10–3M. what pKw = pH + pOH = 14 (6.29) is its pH ? Note that although Kw may change with temperature the variations in pH with Solution temperature are so small that we often pH = – log[3.8 × 10–3] ignore it. = – {log[3.8] + log[10–3]} pKw is a very important quantity for = – {(0.58) + (– 3.0)} = – { – 2.42} = 2.42 aqueous solutions and controls the relative Therefore, the pH of the soft drink is 2.42 concentrations of hydrogen and hydroxyl and it can be inferred that it is acidic. ions as their product is a constant. It should Problem 6.17be noted that as the pH scale is logarithmic, Calculate pH of a 1.0 × 10 –8 M solution ofa change in pH by just one unit also means HCl.change in [H+] by a factor of 10. Similarly, Reprint 2025-26 EQUILIBRIUM 195 Table 6.5 The pH of Some Common Substances Name of the Fluid pH Name of the Fluid pH Saturated solution of NaOH ~15 Black Coffee 5.0 0.1 M NaOH solution 13 Tomato juice ~4.2 Lime water 10.5 Soft drinks and vinegar ~3.0 Milk of magnesia 10 Lemon juice ~2.2 Egg white, sea water 7.8 Gastric juice ~1.2 Human blood 7.4 1M HCl solution ~0 Milk 6.8 Concentrated HCl ~–1.0 Human Saliva 6.4 equilibrium constant for the above discussed Solution acid-dissociation equilibrium: 2H2O (l) H3O+ (aq) + OH–(aq) Ka = c2α2 / c(1-α) = cα2 / 1-α Kw = [OH–][H3O+] Ka is called the dissociation or ionization = 10–14 constant of acid HX. It can be represented Let, x = [OH–] = [H3O+] from H2O. The alternatively in terms of molar concentration H3O+ concentration is generated (i) from as follows, the ionization of HCl dissolved i.e., Ka = [H+][X–] / [HX] (6.30) HCl(aq) + H2O(l) H3O+ (aq) + Cl –(aq), At a given temperature T, Ka is a and (ii) from ionization of H2O. In these very measure of the strength of the acid HX i.e., dilute solutions, both sources of H3O+ must larger the value of Ka, the stronger is the be considered: acid. Ka is a dimensionless quantity with [H3O+] = 10–8 + x the understanding that the standard state Kw = (10–8 + x)(x) = 10–14 concentration of all species is 1M. or x2 + 10–8 x – 10–14 = 0 The values of the ionization constants [OH– ] = x = 9.5 × 10–8 of some selected weak acids are given in Table 6.6. So, pOH = 7.02 and pH = 6.98 Table 6.6 The Ionization Constants of Some 6.11.3 Ionization Constants of Weak Acids Selected Weak Acids (at 298K) Consider a weak acid HX that is partially Acid Ionization Constant, ionized in the aqueous solution. The Ka equilibrium can be expressed by: Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) 3.5 × 10–4 HX(aq) + H2O(l) H3O+(aq) + X–(aq) Nitrous Acid (HNO2) 4.5 × 10–4 Initial Formic Acid (HCOOH) 1.8 × 10–4 concentration (M) c 0 0 Niacin (C5H4NCOOH) 1.5 × 10–5 Let α be the extent of ionization Acetic Acid (CH3COOH) 1.74 × 10–5 Change (M) Benzoic Acid (C6H5COOH) 6.5 × 10–5 -cα +cα +cα Hypochlorous Acid (HCIO) 3.0 × 10–8 Equilibrium concentration (M) Hydrocyanic Acid (HCN) 4.9 × 10–10 c-cα cα cα Phenol (C6H5OH) 1.3 × 10–10 Here, c = initial concentration of the undissociated acid, HX at time, t = 0. α = The pH scale for the hydrogen ion extent up to which HX is ionized into ions. concentration has been so useful that besides Using these notations, we can derive the pKw, it has been extended to other species and Reprint 2025-26 196 chemistry quantities. Thus, we have: Solution pKa = –log (Ka) (6.31) The following proton transfer reactions are Knowing the ionization constant, Ka possible: of an acid and its initial concentration, c, 1) HF + H2O H3O+ + F–it is possible to calculate the equilibrium Ka = 3.2 × 10–4concentration of all species and also the 2) H2O + H2O H3O+ + OH–degree of ionization of the acid and the pH of the solution. Kw = 1.0 × 10–14 As Ka >> Kw, [1] is the principle reaction. A general step-wise approach can be adopted to evaluate the pH of the weak HF + H2O H3O+ + F– electrolyte as follows: Initial Step 1. The species present before concentration (M) dissociation are identified as Brönsted-Lowry 0.02 0 0 acids/bases. Change (M) Step 2. Balanced equations for all possible –0.02α +0.02α +0.02α reactions i.e., with a species acting both as Equilibriumacid as well as base are written. concentration (M)Step 3. The reaction with the higher Ka is identified as the primary reaction whilst the 0.02 – 0.02 α 0.02 α 0.02α other is a subsidiary reaction. Substituting equilibrium concentrations Step 4. Enlist in a tabular form the following in the equilibrium reaction for principal reaction gives:values for each of the species in the primary reaction Ka = (0.02α)2 / (0.02 – 0.02α) (a) Initial concentration, c. = 0.02 α2 / (1 –α) = 3.2 × 10–4 (b) Change in concentration on proceeding We obtain the following quadratic equation: to equilibrium in terms of α, degree of α2 + 1.6 × 10–2α – 1.6 × 10–2 = 0 ionization. The quadratic equation in α can be solved (c) Equilibrium concentration. and the two values of the roots are: α = + 0.12 and – 0.12Step 5. Substitute equilibrium concentrations into equilibrium constant equation for The negative root is not acceptable and hence,principal reaction and solve for α. Step 6. Calculate the concentration of species α = 0.12 in principal reaction. This means that the degree of ionization, α = 0.12, then equilibrium concentrationsStep 7. Calculate pH = – log[H3O+] – of other species viz., HF, F and H3O+ are The above mentioned methodology has given by: been elucidated in the following examples. [H3O+] = [F –] = cα = 0.02 × 0.12 = 2.4 × 10–3 M Problem 6.18 [HF] = c(1 – α) = 0.02 (1 – 0.12) The ionization constant of HF is = 17.6 × 10-3 M 3.2 × 10–4. Calculate the degree of dissociation of HF in its 0.02 M solution. pH = – log[H+] = –log(2.4 × 10–3) = 2.62 Calculate the concentration of all species Problem 6.19 present (H3O+, F – and HF) in the solution The pH of 0.1M monobasic acid is 4.50. and its pH. Calculate the concentration of species H+, A– Reprint 2025-26 EQUILIBRIUM 197 and HA at equilibrium. Also, determine the Percent dissociation value of Ka and pKa of the monobasic acid. = {[HOCl]dissociated / [HOCl]initial }× 100 Solution = 1.41 × 10–3 × 102/ 0.08 = 1.76 %. pH = –log(1.41 × 10–3) = 2.85. pH = – log [H+] Therefore, [H+] = 10 –pH = 10–4.50 6.11.4 Ionization of Weak Bases = 3.16 × 10–5 The ionization of base MOH can be represented by equation: [H+] = [A–] = 3.16 × 10–5 MOH(aq) M+(aq) + OH–(aq) Thus, Ka = [H+][A-] / [HA] In a weak base there is partial ionization [HA]eqlbm = 0.1 – (3.16 × 10-5)  0.1 of MOH into M+ and OH–, the case is similar to that of acid-dissociation equilibrium. The Ka = (3.16 × 10–5)2 / 0.1 = 1.0 × 10–8 equilibrium constant for base ionization pKa = – log(10–8) = 8 is called base ionization constant and is represented by Kb. It can be expressed in Alternatively, “Percent dissociation” is terms of concentration in molarity of various another useful method for measure of strength of a weak acid and is given as: species in equilibrium by the following equation: Percent dissociation Kb = [M+][OH–] / [MOH] (6.33) = [HA]dissociated/[HA]initial × 100% (6.32) Alternatively, if c = initial concentration Problem 6.20 of base and α = degree of ionization of base i.e. the extent to which the base ionizes. Calculate the pH of 0.08M solution of hypochlorous acid, HOCl. The ionization When equilibrium is reached, the equilibrium constant of the acid is 2.5 × 10–5. Determine constant can be written as: the percent dissociation of HOCl. Kb = (cα)2 / c (1-α) = cα2 / (1-α) Solution The values of the ionization constants of some selected weak bases, Kb are given in HOCl(aq) + H2O (l) H3O+(aq) + ClO–(aq) Table 6.7. Initial concentration (M) Table 6.7 The Values of the Ionization 0.08 0 0 Constant of Some Weak Bases at Change to reach 298 K equilibrium concentration Base Kb (M) Dimethylamine, (CH3)2NH 5.4 × 10–4 – x + x +x Triethylamine, (C2H5)3N 6.45 × 10–5 equilibrium concentartion (M) Ammonia, NH3 or NH4OH 1.77 × 10–5 0.08 – x x x Quinine, (A plant product) 1.10 × 10–6 Ka = {[H3O+][ClO–] / [HOCl]} Pyridine, C5H5N 1.77 × 10–9 = x2 / (0.08 –x) Aniline, C6H5NH2 4.27 × 10–10 As x << 0.08, therefore 0.08 – x  0.08 Urea, CO (NH2)2 1.3 × 10–14 x2 / 0.08 = 2.5 × 10–5 Many organic compounds like amines x2 = 2.0 × 10–6, thus, x = 1.41 × 10–3 are weak bases. Amines are derivatives of [H+] = 1.41 × 10–3 M. ammonia in which one or more hydrogen Therefore, atoms are replaced by another group. For example, methylamine, codeine, quinine and Reprint 2025-26 198 chemistry nicotine all behave as very weak bases due to Kb = 10–4.75 = 1.77 × 10–5 Mtheir very small Kb. Ammonia produces OH– in aqueous solution: NH3 + H2O NH4+ + OH– Initial concentration (M) NH3(aq) + H2O(l) NH4+(aq) + OH–(aq) 0.10 0.20 0 The pH scale for the hydrogen ion Change to reachconcentration has been extended to get: pKb = –log (Kb) (6.34) equilibrium (M) –x +x +x At equilibrium (M) Problem 6.21 0.10 – x 0.20 + x x The pH of 0.004M hydrazine solution is 9.7. Kb = [NH4+][OH–] / [NH3] Calculate its ionization constant Kb and pKb. = (0.20 + x)(x) / (0.1 – x) = 1.77 × 10–5 Solution As Kb is small, we can neglect x in comparison NH2NH2 + H2O NH2NH3+ + OH– to 0.1M and 0.2M. Thus, From the pH we can calculate the hydrogen [OH–] = x = 0.88 × 10–5 ion concentration. Knowing hydrogen ion Therefore, [H+] = 1.12 × 10–9 concentration and the ionic product of pH = – log[H+] = 8.95. water we can calculate the concentration of hydroxyl ions. Thus we have: 6.11.5 Relation between Ka and Kb [H+] = antilog (–pH) As seen earlier in this chapter, Ka and Kb = antilog (–9.7) = 1.67 ×10–10 represent the strength of an acid and a base, [OH–] = Kw / [H+] = 1 × 10–14 / 1.67 × 10–10 respectively. In case of a conjugate acid-base pair, they are related in a simple manner so = 5.98 × 10–5 that if one is known, the other can be deduced. The concentration of the corresponding + Considering the example of NH4 and NH3 hydrazinium ion is also the same as that we see, of hydroxyl ion. The concentration of both these ions is very small so the concentration NH4+(aq) + H2O(l) H3O+(aq) + NH3(aq) of the undissociated base can be taken Ka = [H3O+][ NH3] / [NH4+] = 5.6 × 10–10 equal to 0.004M. NH3(aq) + H2O(l) NH4+(aq) + OH–(aq) Thus, Kb =[ NH4+][ OH–] / NH3 = 1.8 × 10–5 Kb = [NH2NH3+][OH–] / [NH2NH2] Net: 2 H2O(l) H3O+(aq) + OH–(aq) = (5.98 × 10–5)2 / 0.004 = 8.96 × 10–7 Kw = [H3O+][ OH– ] = 1.0 × 10–14 M pKb = –logKb = –log(8.96 × 10–7) = 6.04. + Where, Ka represents the strength of NH4 Problem 6.22 as an acid and Kb represents the strength of Calculate the pH of the solution in which NH3 as a base. 0.2M NH4Cl and 0.1M NH3 are present. The It can be seen from the net reaction that pKb of ammonia solution is 4.75. the equilibrium constant is equal to the product of equilibrium constants Ka and Kb Solution for the reactions added. Thus, NH3 + H2O NH4+ + OH– Ka × Kb = {[H3O+][ NH3] / [NH4+ ]} × {[NH4 +] The ionization constant of NH3, [OH–] / [NH3]} Kb = antilog (–pKb) i.e. = [H3O+][OH–] = Kw = (5.6 ×10–10) × (1.8 × 10–5) = 1.0 × 10–14 M Reprint 2025-26 EQUILIBRIUM 199 This can be extended to make a + NH3 + H2O NH4 + OH–generalisation. The equilibrium constant We use equation (6.33) to calculatefor a net reaction obtained after adding hydroxyl ion concentration,two (or more) reactions equals the product [OH–] = c α = 0.05 αof the equilibrium constants for individual reactions: Kb = 0.05 α2 / (1 – α) The value of α is small, therefore the KNET = K1 × K2 × …… (6.35) quadratic equation can be simplified by Similarly, in case of a conjugate acid-base neglecting α in comparison to 1 in the pair, denominator on right hand side of the Ka × Kb = Kw (6.36) equation, Knowing one, the other can be obtained. Thus, It should be noted that a strong acid will have Kb = c α2 or α = √ (1.77 × 10–5 / 0.05) a weak conjugate base and vice-versa. = 0.018. Alternatively, the above expression [OH–] = c α = 0.05 × 0.018 = 9.4 × 10–4M. Kw = Ka × Kb, can also be obtained by [H+] = Kw / [OH–] = 10–14 / (9.4 × 10–4)considering the base-dissociation equilibrium reaction: = 1.06 × 10–11 B(aq) + H2O(l) BH+(aq) + OH–(aq) pH = –log(1.06 × 10–11) = 10.97. Kb = [BH+][OH–] / [B] Now, using the relation for conjugate As the concentration of water remains acid-base pair, constant it has been omitted from the Ka × Kb = Kw denominator and incorporated within the using the value of Kb of NH3 fromdissociation constant. Then multiplying and Table 6.7.dividing the above expression by [H+], we get: We can determine the concentration of Kb = [BH+][OH–][H+] / [B][H+] + conjugate acid NH4 ={[ OH–][H+]}{[BH+] / [B][H+]} Ka = Kw / Kb = 10–14 / 1.77 × 10–5 = Kw / Ka = 5.64 × 10–10. or Ka × Kb = Kw It may be noted that if we take negative logarithm of both sides of the equation, then 6.11.6 Di- and Polybasic Acids and Di- pK values of the conjugate acid and base are and Polyacidic Bases related to each other by the equation: Some of the acids like oxalic acid, sulphuric pKa + pKb = pKw = 14 (at 298K) acid and phosphoric acids have more than one ionizable proton per molecule of the Problem 6.23 acid. Such acids are known as polybasic or polyprotic acids. Determine the degree of ionization and pH of The ionization reactions for example for a 0.05M of ammonia solution. The ionization a dibasic acid H2X are represented by the constant of ammonia can be taken from equations: Table 6.7. Also, calculate the ionization H2X(aq) H+(aq) + HX–(aq) constant of the conjugate acid of ammonia. HX–(aq) H+(aq) + X2–(aq) Solution And the corresponding equilibrium The ionization of NH3 in water is represented constants are given below: by equation: Ka1= {[H+][HX–]} / [H2X] and Reprint 2025-26 200 chemistry Ka2 = {[H+][X2-]} / [HX-] In general, when strength of H-A bond decreases, that is, the energy required to break Here, Ka1and Ka2are called the first and second the bond decreases, HA becomes a stronger ionization constants respectively of the acid H2 acid. Also, when the H-A bond becomes more X. Similarly, for tribasic acids like H3PO4 we polar i.e., the electronegativity difference have three ionization constants. The values between the atoms H and A increases and of the ionization constants for some common there is marked charge separation, cleavage polyprotic acids are given in Table 6.8. of the bond becomes easier thereby increasing Table 6.8 The Ionization Constants of Some the acidity. Common Polyprotic Acids (298K) But it should be noted that while comparing elements in the same group of the periodic table, H-A bond strength is a more important factor in determining acidity than its polar nature. As the size of A increases down the group, H-A bond strength decreases and so the acid strength increases. For example, Size increases HF << HCl << HBr << HI It can be seen that higher order ionization Acid strength increasesconstants (Ka2, Ka3) are smaller than the Similarly, H2S is stronger acid than H2O.lower order ionization constant (Ka1) of a polyprotic acid. The reason for this is that But, when we discuss elements in the same it is more difficult to remove a positively row of the periodic table, H-A bond polarity charged proton from a negative ion due to becomes the deciding factor for determining electrostatic forces. This can be seen in the the acid strength. As the electronegativity case of removing a proton from the uncharged of A increases, the strength of the acid also H2CO3 as compared from a negatively charged increases. For example, HCO3–. Similarly, it is more difficult to remove 2– Electronegativity of A increasesa proton from a doubly charged HPO4 anion as compared to H2PO4–. CH4 < NH3 < H2O < HF Polyprotic acid solutions contain a Acid strength increases mixture of acids like H2A, HA– and A2– in case 6.11.8 Common Ion Effect in theof a diprotic acid. H2A being a strong acid, the Ionization of Acids and Basesprimary reaction involves the dissociation of H2 A, and H3O+ in the solution comes mainly Consider an example of acetic acid dissociation from the first dissociation step. equilibrium represented as: CH3COOH(aq) H+(aq) + CH3COO– (aq)6.11.7 Factors Affecting Acid Strength or HAc(aq) H+ (aq) + Ac– (aq)Having discussed quantitatively the strengths of acids and bases, we come to a stage where Ka = [H+][Ac– ] / [HAc] we can calculate the pH of a given acid Addition of acetate ions to an aceticsolution. But, the curiosity rises about why acid solution results in decreasing theshould some acids be stronger than others? concentration of hydrogen ions, [H+]. Also,What factors are responsible for making if H+ ions are added from an external sourcethem stronger? The answer lies in its being a then the equilibrium moves in the directioncomplex phenomenon. But, broadly speaking of undissociated acetic acid i.e., in a directionwe can say that the extent of dissociation of of reducing the concentration of hydrogenan acid depends on the strength and polarity ions, [H+]. This phenomenon is an exampleof the H-A bond. Reprint 2025-26 EQUILIBRIUM 201 of common ion effect. It can be defined as Thus, x = 1.33 × 10–3 = [OH–] a shift in equilibrium on adding a substance that provides more of an ionic species already Therefore, [H+] = Kw / [OH–] = 10–14 / present in the dissociation equilibrium. (1.33 × 10–3) = 7.51 × 10–12 Thus, we can say that common ion effect is pH = –log (7.5 × 10–12) = 11.12a phenomenon based on the Le Chatelier’s principle discussed in section 6.8. On addition of 25 mL of 0.1M HCl solution (i.e., 2.5 mmol of HCl) to 50 In order to evaluate the pH of the solution mL of 0.1M ammonia solution (i.e., 5resulting on addition of 0.05M acetate ion to mmol of NH3), 2.5 mmol of ammonia0.05M acetic acid solution, we shall consider molecules are neutralized. The resultingthe acetic acid dissociation equilibrium once 75 mL solution contains the remaining again, unneutralized 2.5 mmol of NH3 molecules HAc(aq) H+(aq) + Ac–(aq) and 2.5 mmol of NH4+. Initial concentration (M) NH3 + HCl → NH4+ + Cl– 0.05 0 0.05 2.5 2.5 0 0 At equilibrium Let x be the extent of ionization of acetic acid. 0 0 2.5 2.5 Change in concentration (M) The resulting 75 mL of solution contains 2.5 mmol of NH4+ ions (i.e., 0.033 M) and –x +x +x 2.5 mmol (i.e., 0.033 M ) of uneutralised Equilibrium concentration (M) NH3 molecules. This NH3 exists in the 0.05-x x 0.05+x following equilibrium: Therefore, NH4OH   NH4+ + OH– 0.033M – y y yKa= [H+][Ac– ]/[H Ac] = {(0.05+x)(x)}/(0.05-x) where, y = [OH–] = [NH4+]As Ka is small for a very weak acid, x<<0.05. The final 75 mL solution afterHence, (0.05 + x) ≈ (0.05 – x) ≈ 0.05 neutralisation already contains Thus, + 2.5 m mol NH4 ions (i.e. 0.033M), thus 1.8 × 10–5 = (x) (0.05 + x) / (0.05 – x) total concentration of NH4+ ions is given as:= x(0.05) / (0.05) = x = [H+] = 1.8 × 10–5M [NH4+] = 0.033 + ypH = – log(1.8 × 10–5) = 4.74 As y is small, [NH4OH]  0.033 M and Problem 6.24 [NH4+]  0.033M. We know, Calculate the pH of a 0.10M ammonia solution. Calculate the pH after 50.0 mL Kb = [NH4+][OH–] / [NH4OH] of this solution is treated with 25.0 mL of = y (0.033)/(0.033) = 1.77 × 10–5 M 0.10M HCl. The dissociation constant of Thus, y = 1.77 × 10–5 = [OH–] ammonia, Kb = 1.77 × 10–5 [H+] = 10–14 / 1.77 × 10–5 = 0.56 × 10–9 Solution + Hence, pH = 9.24 NH3 + H2O → NH4 + OH– Kb = [NH4 +][OH–] / [NH3] = 1.77 × 10–5 6.11.9 Hydrolysis of Salts and the pH of Before neutralization, their Solutions [NH4 +] = [OH–] = x Salts formed by the reactions between acids [NH3] = 0.10 – x  0.10 and bases in definite proportions, undergo x2 / 0.10 = 1.77 × 10–5 ionization in water. The cations/anions Reprint 2025-26 202 chemistry formed on ionization of salts either exist as increased of H+ ion concentration in solution hydrated ions in aqueous solutions or interact making the solution acidic. Thus, the pH of with water to reform corresponding acids/ NH4Cl solution in water is less than 7. bases depending upon the nature of salts. Consider the hydrolysis of CH3COONH4The later process of interaction between salt formed from weak acid and weak base. water and cations/anions or both of salts The ions formed undergo hydrolysis as follow: is called hydrolysis. The pH of the solution + gets affected by this interaction. The cations CH3COO– + NH4 + H2O CH3COOH + (e.g., Na+, K+, Ca2+, Ba2+, etc.) of strong bases NH4OH and anions (e.g., Cl–, Br–, NO3–, ClO4– etc.) of CH3COOH and NH4OH, also remain into strong acids simply get hydrated but do not partially dissociated form: hydrolyse, and therefore the solutions of CH3COOH CH3COO– + H+ salts formed from strong acids and bases are + NH4OH NH4 + OH–neutral i.e., their pH is 7. However, the other category of salts do undergo hydrolysis. H2O H+ + OH– We now consider the hydrolysis of the Without going into detailed calculation, salts of the following types : it can be said that degree of hydrolysis is (i) salts of weak acid and strong base e.g., independent of concentration of solution, and CH3COONa. pH of such solutions is determined by their pK values:(ii) salts of strong acid and weak base e.g., NH4Cl, and pH = 7 + ½ (pKa – pKb) (6.38) (iii) salts of weak acid and weak base, e.g., The pH of solution can be greater than 7, CH3COONH4. if the difference is positive and it will be less In the first case, CH3COONa being a salt of than 7, if the difference is negative. weak acid, CH3COOH and strong base, NaOH Problem 6.25gets completely ionised in aqueous solution. The pKa of acetic acid and pKb of ammoniumCH3COONa(aq) → CH3COO– (aq)+ Na+(aq) hydroxide are 4.76 and 4.75 respectively. Acetate ion thus formed undergoes Calculate the pH of ammonium acetate hydrolysis in water to give acetic acid and solution. OH– ions Solution CH3COO–(aq)+H2O(l) CH3COOH(aq)+OH–(aq) pH = 7 + ½ [pKa – pKb] Acetic acid being a weak acid = 7 + ½ [4.76 – 4.75] (Ka = 1.8 × 10–5) remains mainly unionised in = 7 + ½ [0.01] = 7 + 0.005 = 7.005solution. This results in increase of OH– ion concentration in solution making it alkaline. The pH of such a solution is more than 7. 6.12 BUFFER SOLUTIONS Many body fluids e.g., blood or urine have Similarly, NH4Cl formed from weak definite pH and any deviation in their pHbase, NH4OH and strong acid, HCl, in water indicates malfunctioning of the body. Thedissociates completely. + control of pH is also very important in NH4Cl(aq) → NH 4(aq) +Cl– (aq) many chemical and biochemical processes. Ammonium ions undergo hydrolysis with Many medical and cosmetic formulations water to form NH4OH and H+ ions require that these be kept and administered NH +4 (aq) + H2O (1) NH4OH(aq) + H+(aq) at a particular pH. The solutions which Ammonium hydroxide is a weak base resist change in pH on dilution or with (Kb = 1.77 × 10–5) and therefore remains the addition of small amounts of acid or almost unionised in solution. This results in alkali are called Buffer Solutions. Buffer Reprint 2025-26 EQUILIBRIUM 203 solutions of known pH can be prepared from acid present in the mixture. Since acid is a the knowledge of pKa of the acid or pKb of base weak acid, it ionises to a very little extent and and by controlling the ratio of the salt and acid concentration of [HA] is negligibly different or salt and base. A mixture of acetic acid and from concentration of acid taken to form sodium acetate acts as buffer solution around buffer. Also, most of the conjugate base, [A—], pH 4.75 and a mixture of ammonium chloride comes from the ionisation of salt of the acid. and ammonium hydroxide acts as a buffer Therefore, the concentration of conjugate around pH 9.25. You will learn more about base will be negligibly different from the buffer solutions in higher classes. concentration of salt. Thus, equation (6.40) takes the form:6.12.1 Designing Buffer Solution [Salt]Knowledge of pKa, pKb and equilibrium pH=pKa + log constant help us to prepare the buffer solution [Acid] of known pH. Let us see how we can do this. In the equation (6.39), if the concentration Preparation of Acidic Buffer of [A—] is equal to the concentration of [HA], then pH = pKa because value of log 1 is zero.To prepare a buffer of acidic pH we use weak Thus if we take molar concentration of acidacid and its salt formed with strong base. and salt (conjugate base) same, the pH of theWe develop the equation relating the pH, the buffer solution will be equal to the pKa of theequilibrium constant, Ka of weak acid and acid. So for preparing the buffer solution ofratio of concentration of weak acid and its the required pH we select that acid whose pKaconjugate base. For the general case where is close to the required pH. For acetic acidthe weak acid HA ionises in water, pKa value is 4.76, therefore pH of the buffer HA + H2O  H3O+ + A– solution formed by acetic acid and sodium For which we can write the expression acetate taken in equal molar concentration will be around 4.76. A similar analysis of a buffer made with a weak base and its conjugate acid leads to Rearranging the expression we have, the result, [Conjugate acid,BH+] pOH= p K b +log [Base,B] Taking logarithm on both the sides and (6.41) rearranging the terms we get — pH of the buffer solution can be calculated by using the equation pH + pOH =14. We know that pH + pOH = pKw and Or pKa + pKb = pKw. On putting these values in equation (6.41) it takes the form as follows:  (6.39) [Conjugate acid,BH ] p K w - pH= p K w  p Ka  log [Base,B] or + [Conjugate acid,BH ] pH= p Ka + log (6.40) [Base,B] (6.42) The expression (6.40) is known as If molar concentration of base and its Henderson–Hasselbalch equation. The conjugate acid (cation) is same then pH of the buffer solution will be same as pKa for the quantity is the ratio of concentration base. pKa value for ammonia is s9.25; therefore a buffer of pH close to 9.25 can be obtained of conjugate base (anion) of the acid and the by taking ammonia solution and ammonium Reprint 2025-26 204 chemistry chloride solution of same molar concentration. We shall now consider the equilibrium For a buffer solution formed by ammonium between the sparingly soluble ionic salt and chloride and ammonium hydroxide, equation its saturated aqueous solution. (6.42) becomes: 6.13.1 Solubility Product Constant + [Conjugate acid,BH ] pH= 9 .25 + log Let us now have a solid like barium sulphate [Base,B] in contact with its saturated aqueous solution. pH of the buffer solution is not affected by The equilibrium between the undisolved solid dilution because ratio under the logarithmic and the ions in a saturated solution can be term remains unchanged. represented by the equation: 6.13 SOLUBILITY EQUILIBRIA OF BaSO4(s)  Ba2+(aq) + SO42–(aq), SPARINGLY SOLUBLE SALTS We have already known that the solubility of The equilibrium constant is given by the ionic solids in water varies a great deal. Some of equation: these (like calcium chloride) are so soluble that K = {[Ba2+][SO42–]} / [BaSO4] they are hygroscopic in nature and even absorb For a pure solid substance thewater vapour from atmosphere. Others (such concentration remains constant and we canas lithium fluoride) have so little solubility writethat they are commonly termed as insoluble. The solubility depends on a number of factors Ksp = K[BaSO4] = [Ba2+][SO42–] (6.43) important amongst which are the lattice We call Ksp the solubility product constant enthalpy of the salt and the solvation enthalpy or simply solubility product. The experimental of the ions in a solution. For a salt to dissolve value of Ksp in above equation at 298K is in a solvent the strong forces of attraction 1.1 × 10–10. This means that for solid barium between its ions (lattice enthalpy) must be sulphate in equilibrium with its saturated overcome by the ion-solvent interactions. The solution, the product of the concentrations solvation enthalpy of ions is referred to in of barium and sulphate ions is equal terms of solvation which is always negative i.e. to its solubility product constant. The energy is released in the process of solvation. concentrations of the two ions will be equal to The amount of solvation enthalpy depends on the molar solubility of the barium sulphate. the nature of the solvent. In case of a non- If molar solubility is S, then polar (covalent) solvent, solvation enthalpy is 1.1 × 10–10 = (S)(S) = S2small and hence, not sufficient to overcome or S = 1.05 × 10–5.lattice enthalpy of the salt. Consequently, the salt does not dissolve in non-polar solvent. As Thus, molar solubility of barium sulphate a general rule, for a salt to be able to dissolve will be equal to 1.05 × 10–5 mol L–1. in a particular solvent its solvation enthalpy A salt may give on dissociation two or must be greater than its lattice enthalpy so more than two anions and cations carrying that the latter may be overcome by former. different charges. For example, consider a salt Each salt has its characteristic solubility which like zirconium phosphate of molecular formula depends on temperature. We classify salts on (Zr4+)3(PO43–)4. It dissociates into 3 zirconium the basis of their solubility in the following cations of charge +4 and 4 phosphate anions of charge –3. If the molar solubility ofthree categories. zirconium phosphate is S, then it can be seen Category I Soluble Solubility > 0.1M from the stoichiometry of the compound that Category II Slightly 0.01M<Solubility< 0.1M [Zr4+] = 3S and [PO43–] = 4S Soluble Category III Sparingly Solubility < 0.01M and Ksp = (3S)3 (4S)4 = 6912 (S)7 Soluble or S = {Ksp / (33 × 44)}1/7 = (Ksp / 6912)1/7 Reprint 2025-26 EQUILIBRIUM 205 A solid salt of the general formula M px  X qy  Table 6.9 The Solubility Product Constants, with molar solubility S in equilibrium with Ksp of Some Common Ionic Salts at its saturated solution may be represented by 298K. the equation: MxXy(s) xMp+(aq) + yXq– (aq) (where x × p+ = y × q–) And its solubility product constant is given by: Ksp = [Mp+]x[Xq– ]y = (xS)x(yS)y (6.44) = xx . yy . S(x + y) S(x + y) = Ksp / xx . yy S = (Ksp / xx . yy)1 / x + y (6.45) The term Ksp in equation is given by Qsp (section 6.6.2) when the concentration of one or more species is not the concentration under equilibrium. Obviously under equilibrium conditions Ksp = Qsp but otherwise it gives the direction of the processes of precipitation or dissolution. The solubility product constants of a number of common salts at 298K are given in Table 6.9. Problem 6.26 Calculate the solubility of A2X3 in pure water, assuming that neither kind of ion reacts with water. The solubility product of A2X3, Ksp = 1.1 × 10–23. Solution A2X3 → 2A3+ + 3X2– Ksp = [A3+]2 [X2–]3 = 1.1 × 10–23 If S = solubility of A2X3, then [A3+] = 2S; [X2–] = 3S therefore, Ksp = (2S)2(3S)3 = 108S5 = 1.1 × 10–23 thus, S5 = 1 × 10–25 S = 1.0 × 10–5 mol/L. Problem 6.27 The values of Ksp of two sparingly soluble salts Ni(OH)2 and AgCN are 2.0 × 10–15 and 6 × 0–17 respectively. Which salt is more soluble? Explain. Solution AgCN Ag+ + CN– Reprint 2025-26 206 chemistry Ksp = [Ag+][CN–] = 6 × 10–17 Dissolution of S mol/L of Ni(OH)2 provides S mol/L of Ni2+ and 2S mol/L of OH–, but Ni(OH)2 Ni2+ + 2OH– the total concentration of OH– = (0.10 + 2S) Ksp = [Ni2+][OH–]2 = 2 × 10–15 mol/L because the solution already contains Let [Ag+] = S1, then [CN-] = S1 0.10 mol/L of OH– from NaOH. Let [Ni2+] = S2, then [OH–] = 2S2 2 Ksp = 2.0 × 10–15 = [Ni2+] [OH–]2 S1 = 6 × 10–17 , S1 = 7.8 × 10–9 = (S) (0.10 + 2S)2 (S2)(2S2)2 = 2 × 10–15, S2 = 0.58 × 10–4 As Ksp is small, 2S << 0.10, Ni(OH)2 is more soluble than AgCN. thus, (0.10 + 2S) ≈ 0.10 6.13.2 Common Ion Effect on Solubility Hence, of Ionic Salts 2.0 × 10–15 = S (0.10)2 It is expected from Le Chatelier’s principle S = 2.0 × 10–13 M = [Ni2+] that if we increase the concentration of any one of the ions, it should combine with the ion of its opposite charge and some of the The solubility of salts of weak acids like salt will be precipitated till once again Ksp = phosphates increases at lower pH. This is Qsp. Similarly, if the concentration of one of because at lower pH the concentration of the the ions is decreased, more salt will dissolve anion decreases due to its protonation. This to increase the concentration of both the ions in turn increase the solubility of the salt so till once again Ksp = Qsp. This is applicable that Ksp = Qsp. We have to satisfy two equilibria even to soluble salts like sodium chloride simultaneously i.e., except that due to higher concentrations of the ions, we use their activities instead Ksp = [M+] [X–], of their molarities in the expression for Qsp. Thus if we take a saturated solution of sodium chloride and pass HCl gas through it, then sodium chloride is precipitated due to increased concentration (activity) of chloride [X–] / [HX] = Ka/[H+]ion available from the dissociation of HCl. Sodium chloride thus obtained is of very Taking inverse of both side and adding 1 high purity and we can get rid of impurities we get Hlike sodium and magnesium sulphates. The  HX   common ion effect is also used for almost 1   1   acomplete precipitation of a particular ion  X  K as its sparingly soluble salt, with very low    HX  H   H  K avalue of solubility product for gravimetric   aestimation. Thus we can precipitate silver ion  X  K as silver chloride, ferric ion as its hydroxide Now, again taking inverse, we get(or hydrated ferric oxide) and barium ion as its sulphate for quantitative estimations. [X–] / {[X–] + [HX]} = f = Ka/(Ka + [H+]) and it can be seen that ‘f’ decreases as pH decreases. Problem 6.28 If S is the solubility of the salt at a given Calculate the molar solubility of Ni(OH)2 in pH then 0.10 M NaOH. The ionic product of Ni(OH)2 is 2.0 × 10–15. Ksp = [S] [f S] = S2 {Ka/(Ka + [H+])} and S = {Ksp ([H+] + Ka)/Ka}1/2 (6.46) Solution Thus solubility S increases with increase Let the solubility of Ni(OH)2 be equal to S. in [H+] or decrease in pH. Reprint 2025-26 EQUILIBRIUM 207 SUMMARY When the number of molecules leaving the liquid to vapour equals the number of molecules returning to the liquid from vapour, equilibrium is said to be attained and is dynamic in nature. Equilibrium can be established for both physical and chemical processes and at this stage rate of forward and reverse reactions are equal. Equilibrium constant, Kc is expressed as the concentration of products divided by reactants, each term raised to the stoichiometric coefficient. For reaction, a A + b B c C +d D Kc = [C]c[D]d/[A]a[B]b Equilibrium constant has constant value at a fixed temperature and at this stage all the macroscopic properties such as concentration, pressure, etc. become constant. For a gaseous reaction equilibrium constant is expressed as Kp and is written by replacing concentration terms by partial pressures in Kc expression. The direction of reaction can be predicted by reaction quotient Qc which is equal to Kc at equilibrium. Le Chatelier’s principle states that the change in any factor such as temperature, pressure, concentration, etc. will cause the equilibrium to shift in such a direction so as to reduce or counteract the effect of the change. It can be used to study the effect of various factors such as temperature, concentration, pressure, catalyst and inert gases on the direction of equilibrium and to control the yield of products by controlling these factors. Catalyst does not effect the equilibrium composition of a reaction mixture but increases the rate of chemical reaction by making available a new lower energy pathway for conversion of reactants to products and vice-versa. All substances that conduct electricity in aqueous solutions are called electrolytes. Acids, bases and salts are electrolytes and the conduction of electricity by their aqueous solutions is due to anions and cations produced by the dissociation or ionization of electrolytes in aqueous solution. The strong electrolytes are completely dissociated. In weak electrolytes there is equilibrium between the ions and the unionized electrolyte molecules. According to Arrhenius, acids give hydrogen ions while bases produce hydroxyl ions in their aqueous solutions. Brönsted-Lowry on the other hand, defined an acid as a proton donor and a base as a proton acceptor. When a Brönsted-Lowry acid reacts with a base, it produces its conjugate base and a conjugate acid corresponding to the base with which it reacts. Thus a conjugate pair of acid-base differs only by one proton. Lewis further generalised the definition of an acid as an electron pair acceptor and a base as an electron pair donor. The expressions for ionization (equilibrium) constants of weak acids (Ka) and weak bases (Kb) are developed using Arrhenius definition. The degree of ionization and its dependence on concentration and common ion are discussed. The pH scale (pH = –log[H+]) for the hydrogen ion concentration (activity) has been introduced and extended to other quantities (pOH = – log[OH–]); pKa = –log[Ka]; pKb = –log[Kb]; and pKw = –log[Kw] etc.). The ionization of water has been considered and we note that the equation: pH + pOH = pKw is always satisfied. The salts of strong acid and weak base, weak acid and strong base, and weak acid and weak base undergo hydrolysis in aqueous solution. The definition of buffer solutions, and their importance are discussed briefly. The solubility equilibrium of sparingly soluble salts is discussed and the equilibrium constant is introduced as solubility product constant (Ksp). Its relationship with solubility of the salt is established. The conditions of precipitation of the salt from their solutions or their dissolution in water are worked out. The role of common ion and the solubility of sparingly soluble salts is also discussed. Reprint 2025-26 208 chemistry SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES FOR STUDENTS REGARDING THIS UNIT (a) The student may use pH paper in determining the pH of fresh juices of various vegetables and fruits, soft drinks, body fluids and also that of water samples available. (b) The pH paper may also be used to determine the pH of different salt solutions and from that he/she may determine if these are formed from strong/weak acids and bases. (c) They may prepare some buffer solutions by mixing the solutions of sodium acetate and acetic acid and determine their pH using pH paper. (d) They may be provided with different indicators to observe their colours in solutions of varying pH. (e) They may perform some acid-base titrations using indicators. (f) They may observe common ion effect on the solubility of sparingly soluble salts. (g) If pH meter is available in their school, they may measure the pH with it and compare the results obtained with that of the pH paper. EXERCISES 6.1 A liquid is in equilibrium with its vapour in a sealed container at a fixed temperature. The volume of the container is suddenly increased. a) What is the initial effect of the change on vapour pressure? b) How do rates of evaporation and condensation change initially? c) What happens when equilibrium is restored finally and what will be the final vapour pressure? 6.2 What is Kc for the following equilibrium when the equilibrium concentration of each substance is: [SO2]= 0.60M, [O2] = 0.82M and [SO3] = 1.90M ? 2SO2(g) + O2(g) 2SO3(g) 6.3 At a certain temperature and total pressure of 105Pa, iodine vapour contains 40% by volume of I atoms I2 (g) 2I (g) Calculate Kp for the equilibrium. 6.4 Write the expression for the equilibrium constant, Kc for each of the following reactions: (i) 2NOCl (g) 2NO (g) + Cl2 (g) (ii) 2Cu(NO3)2 (s) 2CuO (s) + 4NO2 (g) + O2 (g) (iii) CH3COOC2H5(aq) + H2O(l) CH3COOH (aq) + C2H5OH (aq) (iv) Fe3+ (aq) + 3OH– (aq) Fe(OH)3 (s) (v) I2 (s) + 5F2 2IF5 6.5 Find out the value of Kc for each of the following equilibria from the value of Kp: (i) 2NOCl (g) 2NO (g) + Cl2 (g); Kp= 1.8 × 10–2 at 500 K (ii) CaCO3 (s) CaO(s) + CO2(g); Kp= 167 at 1073 K Reprint 2025-26 EQUILIBRIUM 209 6.6 For the following equilibrium, Kc= 6.3 × 1014 at 1000 K NO (g) + O3 (g) NO2 (g) + O2 (g) Both the forward and reverse reactions in the equilibrium are elementary bimolecular reactions. What is Kc, for the reverse reaction? 6.7 Explain why pure liquids and solids can be ignored while writing the equilibrium constant expression? 6.8 Reaction between N2 and O2– takes place as follows: 2N2 (g) + O2 (g) 2N2O (g) If a mixture of 0.482 mol N2 and 0.933 mol of O2 is placed in a 10 L reaction vessel and allowed to form N2O at a temperature for which Kc= 2.0 × 10–37, determine the composition of equilibrium mixture. 6.9 Nitric oxide reacts with Br2 and gives nitrosyl bromide as per reaction given below: 2NO (g) + Br2 (g) 2NOBr (g) When 0.087 mol of NO and 0.0437 mol of Br2 are mixed in a closed container at constant temperature, 0.0518 mol of NOBr is obtained at equilibrium. Calculate equilibrium amount of NO and Br2 . 6.10 At 450K, Kp= 2.0 × 1010/bar for the given reaction at equilibrium. 2SO2(g) + O2(g) 2SO3 (g) What is Kc at this temperature ? 6.11 A sample of HI(g) is placed in flask at a pressure of 0.2 atm. At equilibrium the partial pressure of HI(g) is 0.04 atm. What is Kp for the given equilibrium ? 2HI (g) H2 (g) + I2 (g) 6.12 A mixture of 1.57 mol of N2, 1.92 mol of H2 and 8.13 mol of NH3 is introduced into a 20 L reaction vessel at 500 K. At this temperature, the equilibrium constant, Kc for the reaction N2 (g) + 3H2 (g) 2NH3 (g) is 1.7 × 102. Is the reaction mixture at equilibrium? If not, what is the direction of the net reaction? 6.13 The equilibrium constant expression for a gas reaction is, NH 3 4 O 2 5 Kc  4  NO  H 2 O 6 Write the balanced chemical equation corresponding to this expression. 6.14 One mole of H2O and one mole of CO are taken in 10 L vessel and heated to 725 K. At equilibrium 40% of water (by mass) reacts with CO according to the equation, H2O (g) + CO (g) H2 (g) + CO2 (g) Calculate the equilibrium constant for the reaction. 6.15 At 700 K, equilibrium constant for the reaction: H2 (g) + I2 (g) 2HI (g) is 54.8. If 0.5 mol L–1 of HI(g) is present at equilibrium at 700 K, what are the concentration of H2(g) and I2(g) assuming that we initially started with HI(g) and allowed it to reach equilibrium at 700K? Reprint 2025-26 210 chemistry 6.16 What is the equilibrium concentration of each of the substances in the equilibrium when the initial concentration of ICl was 0.78 M ? 2ICl (g) I2 (g) + Cl2 (g); Kc = 0.14 6.17 Kp = 0.04 atm at 899 K for the equilibrium shown below. What is the equilibrium concentration of C2H6 when it is placed in a flask at 4.0 atm pressure and allowed to come to equilibrium? C2H6 (g) C2H4 (g) + H2 (g) 6.18 Ethyl acetate is formed by the reaction between ethanol and acetic acid and the equilibrium is represented as: CH3COOH (l) + C2H5OH (l) CH3COOC2H5 (l) + H2O (l) (i) Write the concentration ratio (reaction quotient), Qc, for this reaction (note: water is not in excess and is not a solvent in this reaction) (ii) At 293 K, if one starts with 1.00 mol of acetic acid and 0.18 mol of ethanol, there is 0.171 mol of ethyl acetate in the final equilibrium mixture. Calculate the equilibrium constant. (iii) Starting with 0.5 mol of ethanol and 1.0 mol of acetic acid and maintaining it at 293 K, 0.214 mol of ethyl acetate is found after sometime. Has equilibrium been reached? 6.19 A sample of pure PCl5 was introduced into an evacuated vessel at 473 K. After equilibrium was attained, concentration of PCl5 was found to be 0.5 × 10–1 mol L–1. If value of Kc is 8.3 × 10–3, what are the concentrations of PCl3 and Cl2 at equilibrium? PCl5 (g) PCl3 (g) + Cl2(g) 6.20 One of the reaction that takes place in producing steel from iron ore is the reduction of iron(II) oxide by carbon monoxide to give iron metal and CO2. FeO (s) + CO (g) Fe (s) + CO2 (g); Kp = 0.265 atm at 1050K What are the equilibrium partial pressures of CO and CO2 at 1050 K if the initial partial pressures are: pCO= 1.4 atm and = 0.80 atm? 6.21 Equilibrium constant, Kc for the reaction N2 (g) + 3H2 (g) 2NH3 (g) at 500 K is 0.061 At a particular time, the analysis shows that composition of the reaction mixture is 3.0 mol L–1 N2, 2.0 mol L–1 H2 and 0.5 mol L–1 NH3. Is the reaction at equilibrium? If not in which direction does the reaction tend to proceed to reach equilibrium? 6.22 Bromine monochloride, BrCl decomposes into bromine and chlorine and reaches the equilibrium: 2BrCl (g) Br2 (g) + Cl2 (g) for which Kc= 32 at 500 K. If initially pure BrCl is present at a concentration of 3.3 × 10–3 mol L–1, what is its molar concentration in the mixture at equilibrium? 6.23 At 1127 K and 1 atm pressure, a gaseous mixture of CO and CO2 in equilibrium with soild carbon has 90.55% CO by mass C (s) + CO2 (g) 2CO (g) Calculate Kc for this reaction at the above temperature. Reprint 2025-26 EQUILIBRIUM 211 6.24 Calculate a) ∆G and b) the equilibrium constant for the formation of NO2 from NO and O2 at 298K NO (g) + ½ O2 (g) NO2 (g) where ∆fG (NO2) = 52.0 kJ/mol ∆fG (NO) = 87.0 kJ/mol ∆fG (O2) = 0 kJ/mol 6.25 Does the number of moles of reaction products increase, decrease or remain same when each of the following equilibria is subjected to a decrease in pressure by increasing the volume? (a) PCl5 (g) PCl3 (g) + Cl2 (g) (b) CaO (s) + CO2 (g) CaCO3 (s) (c) 3Fe (s) + 4H2O (g) Fe3O4 (s) + 4H2 (g) 6.26 Which of the following reactions will get affected by increasing the pressure? Also, mention whether change will cause the reaction to go into forward or backward direction. (i) COCl2 (g) CO (g) + Cl2 (g) (ii) CH4 (g) + 2S2 (g) CS2 (g) + 2H2S (g) (iii) CO2 (g) + C (s) 2CO (g) (iv) 2H2 (g) + CO (g) CH3OH (g) (v) CaCO3 (s) CaO (s) + CO2 (g) (vi) 4 NH3 (g) + 5O2 (g) 4NO (g) + 6H2O(g) 6.27 The equilibrium constant for the following reaction is 1.6 ×105 at 1024K H2(g) + Br2(g) 2HBr(g) Find the equilibrium pressure of all gases if 10.0 bar of HBr is introduced into a sealed container at 1024K. 6.28 Dihydrogen gas is obtained from natural gas by partial oxidation with steam as per following endothermic reaction: CH4 (g) + H2O (g) CO (g) + 3H2 (g) (a) Write as expression for Kp for the above reaction. (b) How will the values of Kp and composition of equilibrium mixture be affected by (i) increasing the pressure (ii) increasing the temperature (iii) using a catalyst? 6.29 Describe the effect of: a) addition of H2 b) addition of CH3OH c) removal of CO d) removal of CH3OH on the equilibrium of the reaction: 2H2(g) + CO (g) CH3OH (g) 6.30 At 473 K, equilibrium constant Kc for decomposition of phosphorus pentachloride, PCl5 is 8.3 ×10-3. If decomposition is depicted as, Reprint 2025-26 212 chemistry PCl5 (g) PCl3 (g) + Cl2 (g) ∆rH = 124.0 kJ mol–1 a) write an expression for Kc for the reaction. b) what is the value of Kc for the reverse reaction at the same temperature? c) what would be the effect on Kc if (i) more PCl5 is added (ii) pressure is increased (iii) the temperature is increased ? 6.31 Dihydrogen gas used in Haber’s process is produced by reacting methane from natural gas with high temperature steam. The first stage of two stage reaction involves the formation of CO and H2. In second stage, CO formed in first stage is reacted with more steam in water gas shift reaction, CO (g) + H2O (g) CO2 (g) + H2 (g) If a reaction vessel at 400°C is charged with an equimolar mixture of CO and steam such that pco = pH2O = 4.0 bar, what will be the partial pressure of H2 at equilibrium? Kp= 10.1 at 400°C 6.32 Predict which of the following reaction will have appreciable concentration of reactants and products: a) Cl2 (g) 2Cl (g) Kc = 5 ×10–39 b) Cl2 (g) + 2NO (g) 2NOCl (g) Kc = 3.7 × 108 c) Cl2 (g) + 2NO2 (g) 2NO2Cl (g) Kc = 1.8 6.33 The value of Kc for the reaction 3O2 (g) 2O3 (g) is 2.0 ×10–50 at 25°C. If the equilibrium concentration of O2 in air at 25°C is 1.6 ×10–2, what is the concentration of O3? 6.34 The reaction, CO(g) + 3H2(g) CH4(g) + H2O(g) is at equilibrium at 1300 K in a 1L flask. It also contain 0.30 mol of CO, 0.10 mol of H2 and 0.02 mol of H2O and an unknown amount of CH4 in the flask. Determine the concentration of CH4 in the mixture. The equilibrium constant, Kc for the reaction at the given temperature is 3.90. 6.35 What is meant by the conjugate acid-base pair? Find the conjugate acid/base for the following species: HNO2, CN–, HClO4, F –, OH–, CO , and S2– 6.36 Which of the followings are Lewis acids? H2O, BF3, H+, and NH4+ 6.37 What will be the conjugate bases for the Brönsted acids: HF, H2SO4 and HCO–3? 6.38 Write the conjugate acids for the following Brönsted bases: NH2–, NH3 and HCOO–. 6.39 The species: H2O, HCO3–, HSO4– and NH3 can act both as Brönsted acids and bases. For each case give the corresponding conjugate acid and base. 6.40 Classify the following species into Lewis acids and Lewis bases and show how these act as Lewis acid/base: (a) OH– (b) F– (c) H+ (d) BCl3 . 6.41 The concentration of hydrogen ion in a sample of soft drink is 3.8 × 10–3 M. What is its pH? 6.42 The pH of a sample of vinegar is 3.76. Calculate the concentration of hydrogen ion in it. 6.43 The ionization constant of HF, HCOOH and HCN at 298K are 6.8 × 10–4, 1.8 × 10–4 and 4.8 × 10–9 respectively. Calculate the ionization constants of the corresponding conjugate base. Reprint 2025-26 EQUILIBRIUM 213 6.44 The ionization constant of phenol is 1.0 × 10–10. What is the concentration of phenolate ion in 0.05 M solution of phenol? What will be its degree of ionization if the solution is also 0.01M in sodium phenolate? 6.45 The first ionization constant of H2S is 9.1 × 10–8. Calculate the concentration of HS– ion in its 0.1M solution. How will this concentration be affected if the solution is 0.1M in HCl also? If the second dissociation constant of H2S is 1.2 × 10–13, calculate the concentration of S2– under both conditions. 6.46 The ionization constant of acetic acid is 1.74 × 10–5. Calculate the degree of dissociation of acetic acid in its 0.05 M solution. Calculate the concentration of acetate ion in the solution and its pH. 6.47 It has been found that the pH of a 0.01M solution of an organic acid is 4.15. Calculate the concentration of the anion, the ionization constant of the acid and its pKa. 6.48 Assuming complete dissociation, calculate the pH of the following solutions: (a) 0.003 M HCl (b) 0.005 M NaOH (c) 0.002 M HBr (d) 0.002 M KOH 6.49 Calculate the pH of the following solutions: a) 2 g of TlOH dissolved in water to give 2 litre of solution. b) 0.3 g of Ca(OH)2 dissolved in water to give 500 mL of solution. c) 0.3 g of NaOH dissolved in water to give 200 mL of solution. d) 1mL of 13.6 M HCl is diluted with water to give 1 litre of solution. 6.50 The degree of ionization of a 0.1M bromoacetic acid solution is 0.132. Calculate the pH of the solution and the pKa of bromoacetic acid. 6.51 The pH of 0.005M codeine (C18H21NO3) solution is 9.95. Calculate its ionization constant and pKb. 6.52 What is the pH of 0.001M aniline solution? The ionization constant of aniline can be taken from Table 6.7. Calculate the degree of ionization of aniline in the solution. Also calculate the ionization constant of the conjugate acid of aniline. 6.53 Calculate the degree of ionization of 0.05M acetic acid if its pKa value is 4.74. How is the degree of dissociation affected when its solution also contains (a) 0.01M (b) 0.1M in HCl ? 6.54 The ionization constant of dimethylamine is 5.4 × 10–4. Calculate its degree of ionization in its 0.02M solution. What percentage of dimethylamine is ionized if the solution is also 0.1M in NaOH? 6.55 Calculate the hydrogen ion concentration in the following biological fluids whose pH are given below: (a) Human muscle-fluid, 6.83 (b) Human stomach fluid, 1.2 (c) Human blood, 7.38 (d) Human saliva, 6.4. 6.56 The pH of milk, black coffee, tomato juice, lemon juice and egg white are 6.8, 5.0, 4.2, 2.2 and 7.8 respectively. Calculate corresponding hydrogen ion concentration in each. 6.57 If 0.561 g of KOH is dissolved in water to give 200 mL of solution at 298 K. Calculate the concentrations of potassium, hydrogen and hydroxyl ions. What is its pH? 6.58 The solubility of Sr(OH)2 at 298 K is 19.23 g/L of solution. Calculate the concentrations of strontium and hydroxyl ions and the pH of the solution. Reprint 2025-26 214 chemistry 6.59 The ionization constant of propanoic acid is 1.32 × 10–5. Calculate the degree of ionization of the acid in its 0.05M solution and also its pH. What will be its degree of ionization if the solution is 0.01M in HCl also? 6.60 The pH of 0.1M solution of cyanic acid (HCNO) is 2.34. Calculate the ionization constant of the acid and its degree of ionization in the solution. 6.61 The ionization constant of nitrous acid is 4.5 × 10–4. Calculate the pH of 0.04 M sodium nitrite solution and also its degree of hydrolysis. 6.62 A 0.02M solution of pyridinium hydrochloride has pH = 3.44. Calculate the ionization constant of pyridine. 6.63 Predict if the solutions of the following salts are neutral, acidic or basic: NaCl, KBr, NaCN, NH4NO3, NaNO2 and KF 6.64 The ionization constant of chloroacetic acid is 1.35 × 10–3. What will be the pH of 0.1M acid and its 0.1M sodium salt solution? 6.65 Ionic product of water at 310 K is 2.7 × 10–14. What is the pH of neutral water at this temperature? 6.66 Calculate the pH of the resultant mixtures: a) 10 mL of 0.2M Ca(OH)2 + 25 mL of 0.1M HCl b) 10 mL of 0.01M H2SO4 + 10 mL of 0.01M Ca(OH)2 c) 10 mL of 0.1M H2SO4 + 10 mL of 0.1M KOH 6.67 Determine the solubilities of silver chromate, barium chromate, ferric hydroxide, lead chloride and mercurous iodide at 298K from their solubility product constants given in Table 6.9. Determine also the molarities of individual ions. 6.68 The solubility product constant of Ag2CrO4 and AgBr are 1.1 × 10–12 and 5.0 × 10–13 respectively. Calculate the ratio of the molarities of their saturated solutions. 6.69 Equal volumes of 0.002 M solutions of sodium iodate and cupric chlorate are mixed together. Will it lead to precipitation of copper iodate? (For cupric iodate Ksp = 7.4 × 10–8 ). 6.70 The ionization constant of benzoic acid is 6.46 × 10–5 and Ksp for silver benzoate is 2.5 × 10–13. How many times is silver benzoate more soluble in a buffer of pH 3.19 compared to its solubility in pure water? 6.71 What is the maximum concentration of equimolar solutions of ferrous sulphate and sodium sulphide so that when mixed in equal volumes, there is no precipitation of iron sulphide? (For iron sulphide, Ksp = 6.3 × 10–18). 6.72 What is the minimum volume of water required to dissolve 1g of calcium sulphate at 298 K? (For calcium sulphate, Ksp is 9.1 × 10–6). 6.73 The concentration of sulphide ion in 0.1M HCl solution saturated with hydrogen sulphide is 1.0 × 10–19 M. If 10 mL of this is added to 5 mL of 0.04 M solution of the following: FeSO4, MnCl2, ZnCl2 and CdCl2. in which of these solutions precipitation will take place? Reprint 2025-26