The ph of a 0.65m solution of hydrofluoric acid hf is measured to be 1.68. calculate the acid dissociation constant ka of hydrofluoric acid. round your answer to 2 significant digits.

Kₐ = 6.7 x 10⁻⁴

Explanation:

First lets write the equilibrium expression, Ka , for the dissociation of hydrofluoric acid:

HF + H₂O     ⇄   H₃O⁺ +   F⁻

Kₐ = [ H₃O⁺ ] [ F⁻ ] /[ [ HF ]

Since we are given the pH we can calculate the  [ H₃O⁺ ]  ( pH = - log [ H₃O⁺ ] , and because the acid dissociates into a 1: 1  relation , we will also have [F⁻ ]. The  [ HF ] is given in the question so we have all the information that is needed to  compute Kₐ.

pH = -log [ H₃O⁺ ]

1.68 = - log [ H₃O⁺ ]

Taking antilog to both sides of this equation:

10^-1.68 = [ H₃O⁺ ] ⇒ 2.1 X 10⁻²  M= [ H₃O⁺ ]

[ F⁻ ] = 2.1 X 10⁻² M

Solving for Kₐ :

Kₐ = ( 2.1 X 10⁻² ) x  ( 2.1 X 10⁻² ) / 0.65 = 6.7 x 10⁻⁴  

(Rounded to two significant figures, the powers of 10 have infinite precision )

Molar mass of an unknown gas : 450.56 g/mol

Graham's law: the rate of effusion of a gas is inversely proportional to the square root of its molar masses or  

the effusion rates of two gases = the square root of the inverse of their molar masses:  

or  

M CO₂ = 44 g/mol

Carbon dioxide gas (CO2) effuses 3.2 times faster than an unknown gas, so r₁=3.2 r₂