Problem 71
Question
Disinfectant Hypochlorous acid is an industrial disinfectant. Write the chemical equation and the \(K_{\mathrm{a}}\) expression for the ionization of hypochlorous acid in water.
Step-by-Step Solution
Verified Answer
The formula for hypochlorous acid is HClO. Its ionization process in water can be written as: \( HClO_{(aq)} \rightleftharpoons H^+_{(aq)} + ClO^-_{(aq)} \). The \(K_{\mathrm{a}}\) expression for hypochlorous acid is given by: \[ K_{\mathrm{a}} = \frac{[H^+][ClO^-]}{[HClO]} \].
1Step 1: Find the formula for hypochlorous acid
Hypochlorous acid is a compound containing hydrogen, chlorine, and oxygen. Its formula can be written as HClO.
2Step 2: Write the ionization process of hypochlorous acid in water
When hypochlorous acid is dissolved in water, it ionizes to produce a hydrogen ion (H+) and a hypochlorite ion (ClO-). The chemical equation for the ionization of hypochlorous acid in water can be expressed as:
\( HClO_{(aq)} \rightleftharpoons H^+_{(aq)} + ClO^-_{(aq)} \)
3Step 3: Write the Ka expression for hypochlorous acid
The acid dissociation constant (\(K_{\mathrm{a}}\)) expression describes the equilibrium between the acid and its dissociated ions in water. For hypochlorous acid, \(K_{\mathrm{a}}\) can be written as:
\[ K_{\mathrm{a}} = \frac{[H^+][ClO^-]}{[HClO]} \]
where [H+] is the concentration of hydrogen ions, [ClO-] is the concentration of hypochlorite ions, and [HClO] is the concentration of hypochlorous acid.
Key Concepts
IonizationHypochlorous AcidAcid Dissociation Constant
Ionization
Ionization is a fascinating chemical process where molecules dissociate into ions. This process plays a critical role in various chemical phenomena, including the behavior of acids in water.
When we talk about ionization in the context of acids, we typically mean the separation of hydrogen ions from the acid molecule.For example, let's consider hypochlorous acid (HClO). When HClO dissolves in water, it breaks apart into hydrogen ions, denoted as \( H^+ \), and hypochlorite ions, represented as \( ClO^- \).
Understanding ionization is crucial because it directly affects the conductivity of solutions and the reactions that take place in biological and industrial processes. It's important to grasp the straightforward concept of how molecules split to influence their environment effectively. Moreover, the completion of ionization establishes equilibrium, which is a key concept in understanding chemical reactions in solution.
When we talk about ionization in the context of acids, we typically mean the separation of hydrogen ions from the acid molecule.For example, let's consider hypochlorous acid (HClO). When HClO dissolves in water, it breaks apart into hydrogen ions, denoted as \( H^+ \), and hypochlorite ions, represented as \( ClO^- \).
Understanding ionization is crucial because it directly affects the conductivity of solutions and the reactions that take place in biological and industrial processes. It's important to grasp the straightforward concept of how molecules split to influence their environment effectively. Moreover, the completion of ionization establishes equilibrium, which is a key concept in understanding chemical reactions in solution.
Hypochlorous Acid
Hypochlorous acid (HClO) is a relatively weak acid known for its effective disinfectant properties.
It belongs to a class of chemicals referred to as oxychlorides.
When dissolved in water, hypochlorous acid exhibits a delicate balance between its undissociated form and its ionized state. This characteristic allows it to efficiently eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, making it valuable in sanitation and industrial cleaning.
When dissolved in water, hypochlorous acid exhibits a delicate balance between its undissociated form and its ionized state. This characteristic allows it to efficiently eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, making it valuable in sanitation and industrial cleaning.
- It is a clear, colorless liquid with a faint chlorine smell.
- In water treatments, it is used to sanitize and disinfect, being less harsh than other chlorine-based disinfectants.
Acid Dissociation Constant
The acid dissociation constant, commonly referred to as the \( K_a \) value, is a crucial parameter in chemistry. It measures the strength of an acid in solution by indicating the extent to which the acid dissociates into ions.
For hypochlorous acid, the dissociation constant is expressed as:\[K_a = \frac{[H^+][ClO^-]}{[HClO]}\]This expression highlights how concentration influences the equilibrium state of the acid.
The higher the \( K_a \) value, the stronger the acid, as it more readily releases its hydrogen ions. Conversely, a lower \( K_a \) value points to a weaker acid, like hypochlorous acid, which only partially ionizes in water. A firm grasp of \( K_a \) and its implications allows scientists and students alike to predict acid behavior in different environments, underpinning many aspects of chemical reaction predictions.
For hypochlorous acid, the dissociation constant is expressed as:\[K_a = \frac{[H^+][ClO^-]}{[HClO]}\]This expression highlights how concentration influences the equilibrium state of the acid.
The higher the \( K_a \) value, the stronger the acid, as it more readily releases its hydrogen ions. Conversely, a lower \( K_a \) value points to a weaker acid, like hypochlorous acid, which only partially ionizes in water. A firm grasp of \( K_a \) and its implications allows scientists and students alike to predict acid behavior in different environments, underpinning many aspects of chemical reaction predictions.
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